Newcastle United have agreed a fee with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of highly-rated midfielder Mikel Merino, say various reports.
The Pamplona-native was part of Spain’s Under-21 squad for the European Championships, although he did not command a starting place due to lack of first-team opportunities in Germany.
The 21-year-old was said by Marca to have been personally recommended by Magpies boss Rafael Benitez and once the club were aware of reports he was unsettled at Dortmund, they made their move.
Merino moved to the Bundesliga club last summer after two seasons in La Liga 123 with Osasuna but started only two matches all seasons in all competitions and wanted to move on.
Linked with a move to Athletic Bilbao among other top flight Spanish clubs, this will be considered as a coup for the newly-promoted English side.
