Newcastle are pushing to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Newcastle United have struck a deal with Borussia Dortmund to take midfielder Mikel Merino on loan for the season – but confusion surrounds the length of the move, as The Chronicle claim that it may in fact be a permanent move.
The Magpies have tied up four deals already this summer, with Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo and Jacob Murphy arriving, whilst Christian Atsu has penned a permanent deal having spent last season on loan from Chelsea.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Manager Rafael Benitez still wants new signings though, and another midfielder is wanted to partner Jonjo Shelvey in midfield, with Newcastle seemingly looking for upgrades on Isaac Hayden and Jack Colback.
Now, Spanish newspaper Marca report that Newcastle United have agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund for Mikel Merino, with the intention of taking him on loan for the season.
It’s claimed that Athletic Bilbao have been hoping to sign Merino, but Dortmund only want to loan him out – which is particularly interesting given that The Chronicle believe Newcastle actually want Merino permanently.
Merino, 21, joined Dortmund last summer having emerged in his native Spain with Osasuna, but he was limited to just two league starts and 12 appearances in total.
Borussia Dortmund’s Mikel Merino and Hertha Berlin’s Vedad Ibisevic in action
The midfielder needs and wants playing time, and compatriot Benitez is now looking to give him exactly that at St. James’ Park, though it’s currently unclear whether his move to Newcastle would be a long-term arrangement or not.
A Spain Under-21 international with great height, Merino possesses real quality on the ball and can drop in to start attacks, potentially giving Benitez another playmaker in the middle of the park alongside Shelvey.
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