With Merino’s Newcastle exit reportedly close, Benitez should use that to apply pressure on Ashley

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Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino is reportedly on the verge of joining Real Sociedad, and it’s time for Rafa Benitez to get tough with Mike Ashley.

As reported by the Shields Gazette, Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino is close to completing a move back to La Liga in the form of Real Sociedad, after they supposedly triggered his release clause.

Merino only joined the Magpies last summer from Borussia Dortmund and has made 25 appearances in all competitions, but it appears his short stint is about to come to an end.

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The Shields Gazette report that Merino will join Sociedad after they met his release clause, and a section of Newcastle supporters are uncomfortable with how the sale is being allowed to happen.

Merino is still young at 22 years of age, and last season showed glimmers of his true ability. Unfortunately for him though, he didn’t get the game time he was after, and also supposedly struggled with homesickness.

That said though, supporters are struggling to stomach losing such a bright prospect, and there are a number of people who are cynical about what happens now. What should happen is for manager Rafa Benitez to get tough with Mike Ashley in regards to freeing up funds – if anything to appease the Magpies faithful that feel let down.

Ashley wants to sell the club, but it is surely his duty to leave on good terms by trying to leave it in the best state possible. Fans are likely to become agitated at seeing Merino leave for a small fee, reported to be £10.5 million, and Benitez needs to apply the pressure now to aid with the replacement process.