Man Utd want ‘best player in La Liga’, closely following €60m star ahead of summer - report
Manchester United have been watching and closely following the performances of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino ahead of a potential summer swoop, according to Spanish outlet COPE Sports.
The likes of Manchester City, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have also been scouting the 27-year-old, and while he has a release clause of €60 million, suitors are expected to get him cheaper with just over a year left on his contract.
Man United are expected to strengthen their midfield this summer, with Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat all but set to return to Fiorentina at the end of his season-long loan while the future of Casemiro is in doubt amid several exit links.
Merino has been identified by the Red Devils as a transfer target, and it is not hard to see why the Spain international has impressed them and other top clubs.
Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil called the 27-year-old ‘the best player in La Liga’ back in September and October 2021, and while many doubted that claim, there is no denying that Merino has been one of the best players in the Spanish top-flight in recent years, and he could help improve the Man United midfield.
The former Newcastle United star was also compared to Xabi Alonso by Rafa Benitez in 2017 due to their similar style of play, and his skillset continues to set him apart from the crowd.
The excellent tackler has also impressed going forward this season, with six goals and four assists to his name across all competitions.
A chance to return to the Premier League could be tempting for Merino, and it will be interesting to see whether Man United will firm up their interest with a bid when the summer transfer window opens.
He is entering the peak of his professional career, and the combination of the Spaniard and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield could make the Red Devils very formidable in the middle of the park, so this is a deal Man United should be eager to complete.
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