Mikel Merino initially joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan deal from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
The midfielder impressed for the Tyneside club in the first few matches and the Magpies exercised the option to sign him on a permanent transfer in October 2017.
He started the season on a positive note. However, an injury, coupled with impressive displays from Jonjo Shelvy and Mo Diame, saw Merino drop down the pecking order. That hasn’t stopped him from attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Merino is a transfer target for Athletic Bilbao. The Basque club tried to sign him last summer and there were rumours of an approach from them in January as well.
The report claims that Rafael Benitez will not allow his compatriot to leave St James’ Park this summer. In addition to this, Merino feels settled in the Premier League and is not 
pushing for a move. Should he decide to leave Newcastle, he is likely to return to Spain, where he is wanted by Athletic, Real Betis and Real Sociedad.
AS also claims Merino is also a transfer target for clubs in Germany and Italy. However, there have been no mention of the names of the clubs from these two countries.
It’s a more positive slant from AS, after previous reports from Spain talking up the player’s desire for a move.
