Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot believes Mikel Merino is capable of playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

The midfielder headed home the only goal of the game as the Magpies beat Crystal Palace on Saturday.

"Yes, I certainly see him in a bracket where clubs like that [Barcelona and Real Madrid] come into it, considering his age," he said.

“It's only a matter of time before the very top clubs come looking at him, but we want to be a top club, too.

“We want him to stay here, we don't want to see any of our top players up for sale again.

"He's a fantastic signing from the manager and the scouting department and hopefully we'll just see him develop as a player and he fulfils all that potential at Newcastle.

"It's brilliant news he's signed permanently, great for the club that such a talented young player has committed himself."