Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino insists he's happy in San Sebastian.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has been linked with Barcelona this season.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "I am very calm. I don't think about those situations and less in the middle of the season. Thinking about that is a mistake, because it takes away the focus of what you are doing.

"When you are thinking of leaving a place in the middle of the season it is a sign that you are not happy and that is the opposite of what happens to me here. I'm very happy at Real, I'm in the right place for me, I'm very secure in this environment, with these teammates.

"I am in the perfect place. The only place in my head is Real Sociedad, it's where I want to be."