Real Madrid, Barcelona to battle Liverpool for Mikel Merino?

Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly preparing to rival Liverpool for the signature of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino during next summer's transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been in strong form for his Basque club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring three times and contributing two assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

Liverpool are believed to be lining up a move for the Spain international, who is viewed by the Reds as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

However, according to El Nacional, there is also genuine interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the pair preparing to battle Liverpool for his services next year.

The report claims that an offer in the region of €40m (£34m) is likely to be enough to tempt Real Sociedad into a sale despite the fact that the midfielder still has four years left to run on his current deal.

Merino, who previously played in the Premier League for Newcastle United between 2017 and 2018, has not missed a single match for his La Liga club in any competition during the current season.