Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliott has said he believes team-mate Mikel Merino is good enough to play for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, and expects the La Liga giants to come sniffing if his good form continues.
Merino, who recently completed his £6 million move from Borussia Dortmund, has been a revelation at St James Park since arriving from the Bundesliga side, initially on loan, during the summer.
The Spaniard hit the winner for the Magpies against Crystal Palace at the weekend with a last gasp header, and following the victory his team-mate Rob Elliott has said he believes the midfielder has the ability to go anywhere in the world.
“Yes, I certainly see him in a bracket where clubs like that [Barcelona and Real Madrid] come into it, considering his age,” said Elliott.
“It’s only a matter of time before the very top clubs come looking at him, but we want to be a top club, too.
“We want him to stay here, we don’t want to see any of our top players up for sale again.
“He’s a fantastic signing from the manager and the scouting department and hopefully we’ll just see him develop as a player and he fulfils all that potential at Newcastle.”
The victory means Rafael Benitez’s side are still unbeaten in October and currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League.
