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The preseason tour for Borussia Dortmund continues with the team touching down in Switzerland. However, midfielder Mikel Merino was exempted from the trip due to negotiations with another club.
The midfielder has been regarded as unhappy with his current role at the club and is apparently pursuing other options.
@mikelmerino1 haben wir für Gespräche mit einem anderen Club zurzeit freigestellt. (3/3) pic.twitter.com/RkHgd5b9jX
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 26, 2017
Merino has been linked with four clubs throughout much of the summer, but leading the race right now to sign Merino is the newly-repromoted English Premier League side Newcastle United.
According to Stefan Doering of Goal Deutschland, the deal for Merino to head to Tyneside is nearing completion.
Der Wechsel von Mikel #Merino zu @NUFC steht nach unseren Informationen kurz vor dem Abschluss. #BVB
— Stefan Döring (@Doering_Stefan) July 26, 2017
Merino would seemingly fit well into a Newcastle system lacking a lot of quality midfield depth. His versatility defending prowess could also help a club that was relegated two seasons ago due to lack of defensive skill and resources.
The two Bundesliga clubs - VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Monchengladbach - have seemingly lost traction in the race for the Spaniard.
The Basque-born Merino could possibly be looking to return home as Athletic Bilbao remain heavily interested in securing the midfielder.
Stay with Fear The Wall as this story develops.