Man Utd ready bid as they send scouts to watch former Newcastle united star with £52m release clause who could be sold in bargain transfer this summer

Man Utd ready bid as they send scouts to watch former Newcastle united star with £52m release clause who could be sold in bargain transfer this summer

Manchester united are reportedly plotting to try and bring ex-Newcastle ace Mikel Merino back to England.

The 27-year-old midfielder had a brief spell at St. James’ Park during the 2017/18 season after joining on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

Merino, who made 25 Premier League appearances and scored just once, failed to earn himself a permanent deal.

And at the end of that season he was sold to Real Sociedad, and he has remained with the Spanish side since.

Merino, who some fans think a Prem ref has been trying to convince to come back to these shores, has become a key man for the LaLiga side and helped them to secure Champions League football last season.

The Spanish international has been in stunning form this term, scoring six and producing five assists in 36 matches in all competitions, leading to his manager Imanol Alguacil calling him “the best player in LaLiga” back in September.

Now Spanish radio station COPE claims that “uncertainty surrounds” his future after talks on a contract extension reached a stalemate.

His current package expires in 2025 and this update says that he will not commit his future until he knows whether they will be in Europe again next term.

They currently sit sixth in the top-flight and trail PSG 2-1 after losing their Champions League last-16 first-leg at home.

But even if they do secure another shot in the continent’s top cup competition, his form has attracted a host of admirers.