Report: Newcastle United don’t expect Mikel Merino to turn up to pre-season training

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Newcastle United have given Mikel Merino extended leave in a bid to rush through his move to Real Sociedad.

According to a report in the Chronicle, Mikel Merino is not expected to return to pre-season training with Newcastle United.

Merino’s departure is set to go through soon, with Real Sociedad stepping up their chase for the midfielder.

With Ki Sung-Yeung arriving at St. James’ Park recently, Newcastle are now happy to allow Merino to depart.

And Rafael Benitez has been happy to allow Merino the freedom not to return to training, as the Magpies’ squad is put through their paces ahead of the new campaign.

Merino joined Newcastle in an £8 million move last year (The Telegraph), but his form dipped as the season progressed.

Newcastle are hopeful of re-investing any money they raise from Merino’s sale back into their squad, with Benitez targeting incoming additions.

The Magpies have only brought in two players so far this summer, with Ki and Martin Dubravka arriving on permanent deals.