Newcastle United star ‘who got away’ linked with shock £50m Man Utd move

Manchester United are targeting former St James’ Park favourite Mikel Merino to spearhead their midfield overhaul, according to reports.

The Spaniard was a fans’ favourite during his brief stint at Newcastle United under Rafa Benitez. Initially signed on loan, his Toon move swiftly became permanent for around £8million after several silky performances.

But one of Tyneside’s great enigmas in recent years soon came to the fore as Merino was benched, with reports claiming he suffered from homesickness and wanted a La Liga move. Those rumours were shut down by the Spaniard following the Saudi-backed takeover.

"I felt at home there and I'm not lying when I say that," Merino told ChronicleLive at the time. "I felt so welcome by the fans, by my team-mates, by the atmosphere. The city was amazing. 

“I was enjoying just going to the city centre and having a pint or going for a walk and enjoying the people speaking nicely to you. I was feeling great.”

The midfielder ultimately made just 25 appearances before being shipped out to Real Sociedad. Fans continue to speculate about what might have been as, since then, he has developed into an established European midfielder.

Merino was a key cog for Sociedad as they qualified for the Champions League last season. They were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 stage in a game that, ironically, could have - and Newcastle supporters will argue should have - been against the Magpies.

Fresh claims from Spanish outlet COPE claim Man United are plotting a summer move for the 27-year-old. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has started meticulously planning his rebuild at Old Trafford and Merino fits the bill to revamp the midfield with his £51million release clause.