Report: Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez will reluctantly accept Mikel Merino’s departure

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Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino has two clubs chasing him so far this summer.

According to the Chronicle, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has decided that he will reluctantly accept offers for Mikel Merino.

Merino, who only joined Newcastle in an £8 million move last summer (Telegraph), has been linked with a move away from Tyneside this summer, and interest in him is picking up.

Both Real Sociedad and Sevilla are said to be keen on Merino, who could make a return to Spain.

Benitez had wanted to keep the central midfielder, but he cannot promise him first-team football, and that means that the Magpies boss has accepted that the 21-year-old can leave, if the right bid comes in.

Newcastle are expected to re-invested any money they make from signings into their first-team squad this summer.

Another player linked with a move away from St. James’ Park in the Chronicle is Florian Lejeune.

The centre-back has enjoyed an impressive first season at Newcastle, and Sevilla are said have made him their top defensive target.

However, Benitez is refusing to allow Lejeune leave, as he feels he is too important to his plans to be let go.