Romano delivers major update on surprise Man Utd transfer rumour

Tom Weber

Updated: 13 Mar 2024 12:00 CDT
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Erik ten Hag, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has played down suggestions that Manchester United are interested in Mikel Merino.

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The former Newcastle midfielder, who was a fan favourite but departed the club after just one season, became the subject of surprising transfer links to Man Utd on Tuesday.

Due to his contract talks with Real Sociedad currently at an impasse, the Spanish press asserted that the Red Devils were keeping an eye on the situation with a view to potentially pouncing.

Man Utd are in for a major summer overhaul thanks to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's fresh funds and the midfield could be one area to undergo significant changes. Merino, a key player and occasional captain at Real Sociedad, could have been a solid option for the Red Devils.

With his contract up in 2025 and talks over an extension in stalemate, Erreal will have to sell in the summer or risk losing him for free. Merino has a €60 million release clause, but it is unlikely that Real will demand interested clubs pay it in full.

Man Utd not in for Merino

Contrary to reports coming out of Spain, Man Utd are not among Merino's suitors, according to Fabrizio Romano. Speaking to CaughtOffside, the Italian transfer expert doused cold water on the Red Devils' links with the midfielder.

"[A] player being linked with United (as well as City) by some media outlets is Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. He’s a very good player for sure, ready for any level, but I’m not aware of contact with the Manchester clubs at this stage honestly. I heard some Italian clubs sent scouts to follow him but there’s nothing more to report at this stage.”

Instead of Merino, it looks as though Martin Zubimendi is the Real Sociedad midfielder who could get a big move to the Premier League this year. Eyed by Arsenal and Liverpool, FootballTransfers has exclusively revealed that the Gunners are preparing a wage package for the 25-year-old to see if he can be tempted to head to north London.