According to TEAMtalk, Atletic Bilbao are keen to sign Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino.
Merino joined The Magpies on loan from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, but the deal was made permanent in October after a string of great performances from the Spaniard.
However, Merino has failed to keep up the same form and now sees himself sitting either on the bench or not even in the squad most games, with the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Mohammed Diame and Isaac Hayden all ahead of him in the pecking order.
One of Merino’s key problems has been being unable to adjust to the competitive nature of the Premier League, especially in a relegation battle, where strength and leadership is key.
Merino has a five-year-deal with the Tyneside club, but that looks like it’s going to come to an end not even one year into the deal, which is a massive disappointment for both Newcastle and the midfielder.
After hearing the news, Merino is now keen to move back to his native country with Bilbao, so this deal could come through.
