Midfielder Merino signs permanent Newcastle United deal

Newcastle United have turned Mikel Merino’s loan move from German side, Borussia Dortmund, into a permanent deal with the midfielder signing a five-year contract, the English Premier League club said.
The 21-year-old Spaniard joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan from Dortmund in July and has played in all seven of their league games so far.
“I‘m really happy to be here, and for this part of the contract to finally be official,” Merino told Newcastle’s website (www.nufc.co.uk) on Friday.
“I‘m focused on my displays and improving myself, and I‘m really happy to have signed this contract.’’
Rafa Benitez’s promoted side are ninth on the table and travel to Southampton, three places below them, on Sunday.