Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino is still waiting for his sale to be approved.

Real Sociedad's president has confirmed that the Spanish club are pushing to get the deal done.

“We will see in the coming weeks if it can be done and then we have to respect times and ways with his club," Jokin Aperribay told Marca.

“I do not look too much at Athletic in these things, they follow his life and his way, a great club.

“We are focused on closing the incorporation of Merino for the next season, we have not done it yet."