Mikel Merino is a transfer target of Newcastle United.
The Chronicle has confirmed reports on Spanish media sources that the Borussia Dortmund midfielder is interesting Rafa Benitez.
Merino struggled to make an impact at Dortmund last season, making just eight top team appearances, but has an impressive pedigree and was part of the Spanish u-19 side that won the 2015 European Championships.
Benitez has been aware of the midfielder since he came through the ranks at Osasuna and hasn’t been put off by his struggles at Borussia Dortmund after the switch from the Spanish league.
Midfield isn’t one of Newcastle’s priority areas for strengthening but it is a position that Benitez is looking to bring in new faces for before the Premier League opener against Spurs on August 13.
Merino has got a couple of options to return to Spain but is keen to speak to Benitez and consider a move to the Premier League.
