Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino scored his first goal for the club against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Merino scored the winner for Newcastle, as Rafael Benitez’s side got past Crystal Palace at the weekend.
The Spanish midfielder headed home from a corner to secure the three points for Newcastle, as the North East side’s run of good form continued.
And Elliot admits that Merino has a huge amount of quality at his disposal.
“I certainly see him in a bracket where clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid come into it, considering his age,” Elliot said.
“It’s only a matter of time before the very top clubs come looking at him. But we want to be a top club, too.
“We want him to stay here, we don’t want to see any of our top players up for sale again. That is the mentality now.
“He’s a fantastic signing from the manager and the scouting department and hopefully we’ll see him develop as a player and he fulfils all that potential at Newcastle. He’s very, very good.”
Newcastle signed Merino on loan from Borussia Dortmund initially, but Benitez’s side moved quickly to snap up the 21-year-old on a permanent deal.
Merino has made nine appearances for Newcastle to date, and already looks to have a key role to play for Benitez’s side.
The Spanish youth international has been partnered alongside Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden in midfield, and has already impressed.
Newcastle’s victory over Palace has lifted them into seventh place in the Premier League table.
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