---
title: "Athletic Bilbao tracking Mikel Merino"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2017/11/07/athletic-bilbao-tracking-mikel-merino/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2017-11-07T21:21:08Z"
modified: "2017-11-07T21:21:08Z"
---

# Athletic Bilbao tracking Mikel Merino

La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao are reportedly keeping a close eye on Newcastle United man Mikel Merino.

It’s claimed by Spanish news outlet [El Gol Digital](https://www.elgoldigital.com/athletic-bilbao-ya-conoce-precio-minimo-la-nueva-subasta-mikel-merino/) that Bilbao have been impressed with Merino’s impact in the Premier League, and are monitoring his progress.

Merino joined Newcastle on an initial loan deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. His loan was made permanent just a few months later for a lowly fee, but top clubs appear to be circling already.

![Nigel Roddis/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2017/11/864640074.jpg)

The 21-year-old has already been speculatively linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona in recent weeks, and it looks like Athletic Bilbao join the two heavyweights in their admiration of Merino’s talents.

El Gol report that Bilbao feel a fee in the region of €20 million would be enough to convince Newcastle to sell the Spanish Under-21 international.

However, given his undoubtedly high ceiling of potential, along with his crucial role in Rafa Benitez’s plans for the here and now, as well as the future, it’s unlikely that Newcastle will be in a hurry to sell.