Newcastle United are preparing to lose Mikel Merino, with the Spanish midfielder heading for Real Sociedad - as recently covered by Chronicle Live.

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Merino moved to Newcastle from Borussia Dortmund in last summer's transfer window, with the Magpies securing the loan services of the 22-year-old.

The deal was then made permanent in October, and Merino actually made 24 Premier League appearances during his first season in English football.

The midfielder struggled for action in the second half of the campaign, however, with Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez preferring other players as the club battled against the drop.

Merino, who is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, is believed to be closing on a move to Sociedad, who have seemingly beaten the likes of Real Betis and Sevilla to the former Osasuna midfielder.

[brid autoplay="true" video="258359" player="12034" title="The World Cup Twitter Report"]

The Newcastle fans have been reacting to the reports on social media, and they are still finding it hard to understand why their club are happy to lose Merino this summer.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Newcastle supporters can be seen below: