Real Sociedad are close to signing Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino.
Last summer, Newcastle signed the Spaniard on loan from Borussia Dortmund before the switch was promptly turned into a permanent transfer with Merino penning a long-term contract.
However, it started to emerge that Merino was eager for a return to his mother country and according to Sky Sports News, Real Sociedad are geared up to meet the player's release clause of £10m.
The report says that a deal could be accomplished by the weekend and Merino will leave St James' Park having made just 25 appearances for the Magpies.
A substitute has already been brought in by Rafael Benitez with Ki Sung-yueng coming in on a free transfer from Swansea City.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
