8 months ago
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Manchester United are one of a number of clubs keeping close tabs on Mikel Merino, with the Real Sociedad midfielder’s contract negotiations at an impasse.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the most sought-after midfielders in La Liga on the back of an underwhelming spell with Newcastle United and is now a regular in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squads.
This season, Merino has racked up three goals and three assists in the Spanish top flight, with Sociedad sixth in the table, while also netting twice in the Champions League.
However, there is growing uncertainty over Merino’s future as the Spain international – capped 19 times by his country – enters into the final 18 months of his current deal in San Sebastian.
According to Spanish publication COPE, Merino’s talks over a possible renewal are at a ‘standstill’ and an agreement may depend on whether Sociedad secure European football for next season.
The company representing Merino are reluctant to make a decision until a European place is guaranteed – and even then, the player may opt against signing an extension given the interest he is attracting from rival clubs.
The report claims Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have all been tracking Merino this term and Sociedad are well aware of their presence at the Reale Arena.
Merino has a €60million (£51m) release clause in his contract at Sociedad but the La Liga outfit may be forced to sell for a cut-price fee this summer given he could leave on a free transfer in 2025.
The 6 ft 2 in midfielder, known for his passing ability, rose through Osasuna’s academy ranks as a youngster before completing a switch to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
A season-long loan spell with Newcastle followed and Merino went on to sign permanently for the Magpies, though badly struggled to live up to expectations before retuning to his homeland to join 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 in defence in the summer transfer window, with Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini all firmly on the club’s radar.
But it’s understood Jarrad Branthwaite has been identified as United’s top target at centre-back after an eye-catching breakout season at the heart 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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