Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is prepared to see Mikel Merino sold this summer.

However, he is unwilling to part with the midfielder unless a replacement is signed.

Benitez is currently assessing his squad options but there could be more positive news later this week with Nottingham Forest interested in signing Jack Colback on a permanent deal, says the Evening Chronicle.

La Liga trio Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad are all fighting to take the Spanish Under-21 back to his home country in the summer window.

The interested clutch of clubs believe a fee of around £10million will be enough to lure the former Borussia Dortmund man to Spain before the season kicks off.