Rafa takes Mik out of Dortmund
RAFA BENITEZ has landed Spanish midfield star Mikel Merino from Borussia Dortmund.
The 21-year-old was on Tyneside yesterday to become Newcastle’s fifth recruit of the summer.
Merino, who played only seven times for Dortmund last season, is a combative midfielder, who should slot in alongside Jonjo Shelvey, but can also play in central defence.
Newcastle chief scout Steve Nickson watched him play for Spain in the Euro U-21 championship earlier in the summer.
His signing relieves some of the tension at Toon, with Benitez frustrated at the slow progress of bolstering his squad.
READING are lining up a swoop for Huddersfield striker Nakhi Wells. The 27-year-old striker helped the Terriers into the Premier League last season but he has just a year left on his deal.
He could be allowed to move on following the summer arrivals of £11.5million Steven Mounie and £3.5m Laurent Depoitre.