Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino has welcomed interest from Athletic Bilbao.

The Spain U21 ace has been linked with Athletic over the past week.

Merino told AS: "The fact that both Athletic and other teams are playing is a sign that you are doing things right. I am very grateful. For the interest they show it means that I'm doing things right.

"I am very happy to be in the Premier League and the experience in the Bundesliga, but someday I would like to return to the Spanish Liga.

"You can never guess where you are going to play."