Real Sociedad have completed the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino.

Merino, who signed a five-year deal in October last year after initially arriving on a 12-month loan deal from Borussia Dortmund, has left after struggling to win a place in the team during the second half of the campaign.

A club statement said: "Mikel Merino has completed a permanent move to La Liga side Real Sociedad.

"The 22-year-old leaves St. James' Park for an undisclosed fee having made 24 Premier League appearances for the Magpies, scoring once in a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

"Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Mikel the best for the future."