Newcastle player ‘waiting in England’ for transfer, could happen in ‘coming hours’

Mikel Merino’s future is expected to be away from Newcastle United as the midfielder is set to leave the Tyneside club in the summer transfer window.

Over the last few weeks, we have carried multiple reports talking about interest from the La Liga in the former Borussia Dortmund man. Real Sociedad were believed to be ahead of Real Betis, Athletico Bilbao and Sevilla in signing the player.

The San Sebastian based outfit’s president, Jokin Aperribay confirmed Sociedad’s desire to secure Merino’s signature this summer. Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims the La Liga side could make the midfielder’s signing official in the ‘coming hours’.

Merino was in the United States on holiday and has now returned to England. He will start the pre-season preparations with Rafael Benitez’s side until Sociedad agrees a deal with the Premier League club. Merino ‘waiting in England’ until he hears he can travel.

The report claims all parties involved in the deal “trust” that a successful conclusion can be reached in the next few hours. Sociedad are expected to pay €12m to Newcastle, which is the player’s release clause.

Mundo mentions how release clause payments in Spain and England are different, which is why there has been a delay in the deal to take shape. In England, the two clubs must agree on other aspects.