Manchester City have made moves to meet the release clause of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, according to a report.
The Spanish international moved to San Sebastian back in the summer of 2018 for a fee of around £11m from Newcastle United, and has gone on to make 27 La Liga appearances so far this season.
The 25-year-old could well be set for a move back to the Premier League this summer however, with El Confidencial reporting that City boss Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer.
A €60m (£50m) release clause inserted into Merino's current deal means that negotiations would not be difficult to bring him to the Etihad Stadium, despite his contract running until 2025.
Within his 27 league appearances this season, Merino has registered three goals and two assists from central midfield, which have helped Sociedad to sixth in La Liga following their 2-1 win over Elche on Sunday.
After playing for Newcastle on loan from Borussia Dortmund in the 2017-18 season, the move to St James' Park was made permanent for around £6m, before immediately making the move to Sociedad just days later.
Matthew Tranter
