NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Manchester United are one of several that are closely following Mikel Merino, with the Real Sociedad midfielder’s contract negotiations at a stalemate.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of La Liga’s most sought-after midfielders after a disappointing spell with Newcastle United and is now a regular Angelesr in Luis de los Ángeles Fuente’s Spanish sides.
This season, Merino has racked up three goals and three assists in the Spanish top flight, with Sociedad sixth in the standings, as well as scoring two goals in the Champions League.
However, uncertainty is growing over Merino’s future as the Spain international, capped 19 times by his country, enters the final 18 months of his current contract at San Sebastian.
According to Spanish publication COPE, Merino’s talks about a possible renewal are “at a standstill” and a deal may simply depend on whether Sociedad will secure European football for next season.
The company representing Merino is reluctant to make a decision until a European spot is secured, and even then the player probably wouldn’t sign an extension given the interest he’s garnering across the continent.
The report claims that Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are following Merino and that the Society was aware of the presence of their rival clubs in the stands at the Reale Arena this season.
Merino has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract with Sociedad, but the La Liga side may be forced to sell at a discounted price this summer as he could leave with a free movement in 2025.
The 6ft-2 midfielder, known for his passing skills, rose through the ranks of Osasuna’s academy as a youngster before moving to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
A season-long loan spell with Newcastle followed and Merino signed permanently for the Magpies. He struggled mightily to live up to expectations before returning to his homeland to sign for Sociedad.
Manchester United have scouts following several players across Europe this season and a flurry of comings and goings are expected at Old Trafford in the wake of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial £1.3billion takeover.
The Red Devils are expected to prioritise strengthening defence in the summer window, with Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini all firmly on the club’s radar.
But it is understood that Jarrad Branthwaite has been known as United’s top target in central defence after a season in the centre of Sean Dyche’s Everton defence.
Everton have slapped a £75m price tag on their prized possession, though United are hopeful they could convince the Toffees to sell the England Under-21 international for a fee closer to £50m.
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