Mikel Merino has told Rafa Benitez he wants to leave Newcastle United according to a Tuesday morning ‘Exclusive’.

Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino interviewed in Spanish media, asked ‘Would you like to return to Spain’?

Reports from Spain on Wednesday morning that Athletic Bilbao intend to make move for Mikel Merino if Newcastle are relegated.

They still might not have seen any mackems on the streets of Milan but they could be seeing Geordies once again in the near future.

I am currently working in Bilbao and loving every minute of it. They Love us over here, the number of people I have had buying me drinks and regaling me with amazing tales of the supporters of NUFC.

Or just tell your lass you’re nipping down the shop for a paper and come back with the Warsaw Chronicle. It’s Newcastle United we’re talking about after all.