Mikel Merino is still on Aston Villa’s agenda after they failed to sign the Real Sociedad player in January, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Villans were named as the midfielder’s suitor after Unai Emery took charge at Villa Park.
Back in January, Mundo Deportivo stated Aston Villa came with ‘all their weapons’ for the 26-year-old but were unable to take him away from La Real in the winter market.
The former Newcastle United man’s contract expires in 2025 and the San Sebastian club are working to renew his deal.
Today’s Mundo states Merino’s camp and Sociedad are in advanced negotiations to extend his deal for two to three years. The Spanish club assume his clause cannot be raised. It’s currently set at €60m for the summer and €65m for the January window.
Aston Villa then get a mention.
It’s said there is ‘current interest’ from Unai Emery’s side in the player and they ‘seemed willing to address it’, likely the figure quoted in the clause, in the summer.
Sociedad are clear they are not going to lower the amount and will continue to refer Merino’s clause,
Despite Aston Villa’s ‘current interest’ and the interest shown by other clubs in the past, the midfielder has recently expressed his desire to continue at Sociedad.
This wouldn’t make it easy for the Premier League side to secure Merino’s services.
