Mikel Merino has all-but confirmed that his future is at Newcastle, despite being linked with moves away.
Speaking to the club’s official website, as reported by Chronicle Live, the Spanish midfielder outlined his plans for next season.
Merino acknowledges that he needs to hold down a regular place in the side next season.
I’ll try to play more minutes, to be an important part of the team and an important player. I want to increase my offensive skills, try to make more goals, try to be more confident with ball and try to make my teammates play better.
In the summer I will work on my less strong things, like using more of the right foot and things like that, and in the pre-season I’ll try to improve myself even more and start the season at a high level.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been linked with moves to Spain during the second half of the season.
Merino fell out of favour during the end-of-season run-in, prompting interest from both Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao.
The Spaniard has played down talk of a return to his home country and his situation has not changed with the season done and dusted.
Despite featuring less during the latter stages of the season, Merino showed his qualities on the ball in the opening months of the campaign.
