Newcastle United reading themselves for triple bid for stars

Merino is reportedly being eyed by Spanish side Real Betis, who have also been credited with an interest in countryman Perez in recent weeks.

Spanish outlet ABC de Sevilla claim talks have already taken place between Betis and Merino’s representatives and there was a ‘positive’ outcome. As a result, they will launch a bid for the player who United signed from Borussia Dortmund last season for around £8million.

Rafa Benitez is a big fan of the player, who, following injury, played a peripheral part in the Magpies Premier League safety bid, despite bursting on the scene at the start of the campaign.

But, should a substantial bid be received, it could be the case that Benitez allows the player to depart, if he can line up a better replacement, especially with funds set to be tight again at the Gallowgate.

Perez, meanwhile, is reportedly attracting interest from Real Sociedad and Napoli.

Having played a key role at the back end of last season and ending the campaign as United’s top scorer it is unlikely Benitez would part with his only real No 10.

In fact, the manager is keen to add competition for Perez in the squad, not replace him, with a No 10 right at the top of his wanted list this summer.

And, according to the Mirror, Fulham are said to be readying a bid to take loan man Mitrovic to Craven Cottage on a permanent basis, following their promotion to the Premier League.

The Serbian star, who netted a hat-trick for his nation against Bolivia over the weekend, is thought to be valued at more than £20million by Newcastle.