Merino makes Newcastle United move permanent

Newcastle United have made Mikel Merino's loan move permanent, with the Spanish midfielder signing a five-year contract at St James' Park.

The 21-year-old has been a key figure this season, playing in all seven of the Magpies' Premier League matches.

Newcastle are ninth in the table ahead of their trip to Southampton on Sunday.

The midfielder, who signed from Borussia Dortmund, told NUFC TV: “I’m really happy to be here, and for this part of the contract to finally be official. I’m happy to be here for five more years and I hope to keep playing for this club and to give good things to all the people and the club.”