‘Who needs Pogba?’ - Newcastle fans delighted at signing

Mikel Merino has signed for Newcastle United on a permanent five-year-deal, only months after initially joining the club on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

It was understood manager Rafael Benitez was keen to complete a permanent deal for the midfielder in January, however he will now be able to focus his transfer attentions elsewhere after having Merino but pen to paper early doors.

The 21-year-old came to St James Park on a season long-loan deal from the Bundesliga outfit, however has now committed his long term future to the club.

Merino has had a positive start to life in English football, and was named Newcastle’s Player of the Month for the opening four weeks of the season. He has started all seven of Newcastle’s games so far this campaign.

Already a fan favourite on Tyneside, the Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to share their joy at the Spaniard making his initial season long-loan deal permanent …

https://twitter.com/AdamBotley/status/918793271207481344

Who needs Pogba for £93m when u can have Merino for £8m #NUFC pic.twitter.com/j1Z4DGBJdK

— Kris.🦏 🦓 (@hoothoot81) October 13, 2017

NUFC have signed Dortmund's Mikel Merino on a permanent deal. He had joined on a season-long loan. V good piece of business.

— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) October 13, 2017

Merino for under £10m, 5 years with Merino in the midfield for NUFC, sounds like gold to me! Get inn! #NUFC

— NUFC Portal (@NufcPortal) October 13, 2017

Someone's pulled the wool over Dortmund's eyes – Merino a class act. Knits play together so well. Rafa's best buy baa none? #getscoat #nufc

— Neil Farrington (@Neilfarrington) October 13, 2017

https://twitter.com/bjudd14/status/918797212402020352

https://twitter.com/BykerWall/status/918751516835700736

Absolutely fantastic news #nufc have activated the option to sign Mikel Merino permanently right away. He’s been a revelation this season.

— Harry De Cosemo (@harrydecosemo) October 13, 2017