Newcastle respond to rumours of Mikel Merino and Dwight Gayle departures

According to the Chronicle, Newcastle have insisted that neither Mikel Merino or Dwight Gayle will be sold until a replacement is signed by Rafa Benitez.

It was been reported in Spain last night that Real Sociedad were becoming increasingly confident of sealing a deal for Merino, whilst Stoke also lodged a £10m bid for Gayle over the weekend.

What seems clear, however, is that Rafa is unwilling to sell unless replacements are signed – and rightly so. That being said, he may be tempted to consider an offer if Stoke came in with a £15m bid.

With Merino, a departure feels inevitable, but the Chronicle claim that any deal with Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao or Real Sociedad has been ‘delayed’ by Benitez – who’ll be insistent on us getting a replacement before any sale is sanctioned.

With a bid for Juventus midfield Stefan Sturaro touted in Italy and Swansea’s Jordan Ayew linked this morning, it makes you wonder if these two are players Rafa is considering bringing in to replace them.

Either way, it’s good to hear that we’ll only sell once replacements are signed. Hopefully this is something both Ashley and Benitez are agreeing on.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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