Real Sociedad are close to signing Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino, according to Sky sources. The Spanish club have agreed to activate the £10m release clause in Merino’s contract at St James’ Park. Merino initially joined Newcastle on loan from Borussia Dortmund last summer before the Magpies made the deal permanent in October – handing the Spaniard a five-year contract.
The 22-year-old made 25 appearances for Newcastle last season, scoring once. Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has already signed a possible replacement for Merino in South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-yueng, who joined the club on a free transfer from Swansea. Newcastle signed goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a permanent deal from Sparta Prague earlier this month, while the club remain talks to sign Nice forward Alassane Plea, according to Sky sources.