Real Sociedad 'launch £10.5m bid for Mikel Merino'

Spanish side Real Sociedad have tabled a £10.5m bid for Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino, according to a report.

The 21-year-old recently declared that he is happy at St James' Park, despite struggling to hold down a regular starting spot last season.

Merino has now emerged as a target for Sociedad, with the Daily Mail suggesting that the former Spain Under-21s midfielder may be tempted by a move back to his homeland.

Newcastle are said to be weighing up the offer, as they contemplate strengthening in other areas of the field ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

Osasuna academy product Merino initially joined Newcastle on loan last July, before penning a permanent five-year contract three months later.