Newcastle fans are begging their club not to let Mikel Merino leave, as the exit links surrounding the Spaniard heat up.

It’s been a long time since Newcastle fans felt good about the direction of their team, and this summer is absolutely pivotal in maintaining that optimism.

As well as adding players in positions of need, the Magpies need to keep hold of what they’ve got elsewhere, like in central midfield, where they now have three quality options.

Mikel Merino moved to Tyneside from Borussia Dortmund last summer and endeared himself to fans with his tough tackling and wonderful array of passing.

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The young Spaniard suffered through most of the season with a back injury though, and returned to fitness earlier this year to find the ever-improving Mo Diame had taken his place.

Nonetheless, the 21 year-old will surely only go from strength to strength under compatriot Rafael Benitez, so the Magpies really must keep hold of him.

According to the Chronicle, the midfielder’s future is still “uncertain” as “several” La Liga clubs line up a summer swoop.

Fans are praying he stays on Tyneside, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…