Newcastle United are resigned to selling Mikel Merino to Real Sociedad.

The Evening Chronicle says Rafa Benitez had hoped the Spanish Under-21 international would stay and fight for his place ahead of next season - but the Magpies are now resigned to losing the Pamplona-born player.

Real Sociedad are expected to complete a deal worth around £10million due to a clause sewn into the deal signed last year.

The La Liga side look to have won the race to sign Merino after agreeing to offer him a five-year contract and beating Athletic Bilbao, Real Betis and Sevilla to his signature.

United's backroom team are not expecting to see Merino back at the club's Benton base after getting word from Spain that the midfielder is disappointingly prepared to call time on his Toon career after just one season.