Newcastle United are in no rush to sell Mikel Merino.

While Real Sociedad are favourites to land the midfielder, negotiations have stalled, says Mundo Deportivo.

Newcastle are pushing La Real to meet Merino's €12m buyout clause - which for now, they're reluctant to do.

Toon boss Rafa Benitez expects Merino to front up for the start of preseason training this week, despite negotiations with La Real continuing.

The message from Newcastle is: pay the clause, or wait until our other transfer business is completed.