Mikel Merino is dreaming of playing for Spain at next year's World Cup.

The 21-year-old has been a standout for Newcastle since arriving from Borussia Dortmund on loan this summer, having made more appearances for the Magpies than he did all of last season for Dortmund.

"You always want to have big ambitions, thinking and dreaming big," he said.

"I'm not going to say I want to do this or that because I am just young.

"Right now, it is about the small steps that can lead to bigger things like the national team at some point.

"But I feel my dreams will be fulfilled if I do the right job here."