Man Utd send scouts to watch former Newcastle star with £52million release clause who could be sold in bargain transfer

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.

AFPReal Sociedad’s Mikel Merino is wanted by Manchester United[/caption]

PA:Press AssociationThe Spaniard has previous experience of the Premier League with Newcastle[/caption]

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.

CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL

It is reported that United have sent scouts to watch Merino as they consider making a summer swoop.

And Man City, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have all also been following him closely.

Merino has a release clause of £52m – but Sociedad are aware that his price could drop significantly once he enters the last 12 months of his agreement.

And that could lead to him being available for much less at the end of the season if the renewal talks fail to restart with the Spaniards expected to try and cash in for as much as possible rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.

MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: All the latest news from Old Trafford