Late-night news: Staveley working on shock Newcastle move for £45m-rated ace; he loves Shelvey

Newcastle United have been linked with a shock move for former Magpies midfielder Mikel Merino.

Merino now plies his trade with Real Sociedad after the Magpies sold the Spaniard back in 2018. The 25-year-old made the move to St. James’ Park back in 2017 on loan from Borussia Dortmund, with Newcastle swiftly making a deal permanent.

Merino made 25 appearances as a Newcastle player and has gone from strength to strength back in his native country with Real Sociedad.

The central midfielder is now valued at a career-high £45m Transfermarkt valuation, and it looks as if Amanda Staveley is exploring a possible return.

A Spanish outlet shared an update regarding Merino late on Friday evening. They labelled the midfielder as ‘one of the most important players’ for Sociedad and claimed Barcelona are showing an interest.

The report also added that a return to Newcastle or a move to Liverpool over the coming months could also be on the cards.

Merino recently hailed Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, and it seems as if a reunion between the pair could be on the cards ahead of Eddie Howe’s first full season in charge.

It looks set to be a busy summer for the club when it comes to transfers, with midfield a possible area the Magpies may decide to bolster.

Howe currently has two defensive midfielders, three central midfielders and two attacking midfielders, so a swoop for Merino, who has played in all three positions this season, could be a shrewd one, for the right price.

In other news: ‘At the moment’ – Transfer insider says NUFC ace will only be a ‘rotation’ player next season. 

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