Manchester United and Manchester City are keen on Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who could move on to Champions League football.
According to Fichajes, Mikel Merino has emerged on the radars of Manchester United and Manchester City ahead of the summer. The Spanish international, who has a €60 million release clause, could leave Real Sociedad should they fail to qualify for the Champions League, which has alerted the Manchester giants over his availability.
Manchester clubs interested in Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has been one of Real Sociedad’s most important players, and often his contributions go unnoticed in comparison to some of his colleagues like Martin Zubimendi and Takefusa Kubo. He has been critical to their concerted run in recent seasons, although the time may have come for him to find a new challenge.
With 16 months or so remaining on his current deal, Merino has put contract talks on hold until the summer as he seeks regular football in the Champions League. Real Sociedad are some 12 points away from fourth place in La Liga, and with ten games remaining in the season, it seems like an uphill task for them.
Hence, Mikel Merino might seek a new challenge and has a few high-profile suitors chasing his signature, including the Manchester clubs. Pep Guardiola had held an interest in the Spanish international, and the same might be said about Manchester United in the chase for the Spaniard.
Merino has a €60 million clause in his contract, although Real Sociedad might accept considerably less owing to his contractual situation. Hence, Manchester United and Manchester City might have a chance. However, they might face competition from the likes of Atletico Madrid, who are favourites to play in the Champions League next season.
The Manchester club are seeking a new midfielder
There have been reports of Manchester City’s interest in Bruno Guimaraes, which shows Guardiola wants a new midfielder and a change of scenario with his current options. Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes have not performed well since their summer arrivals, so the manager will look for a different option.
Manchester United are also linked with high profile names, like young Joao Neves. The Red Devils are keen on a new central midfielder to complement their rising star, Kobbie Mainoo. The pursuit of Merino might feel a bit odd in that regard, although they might not have a chance for the Spaniard should they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
