Athletic Bilbao approach Dortmund for Mikel Merino

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is enduring a frustrating year in Germany.

The 20-year-old Spanish U-21 international has failed to make his presence known in the Bundesliga, having only made 7 league appearances since his arrival from Osasuna in 2016.

Having failed to establish himself as a first-team regular under Thomas Tuchel, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder has already been linked with a departure during winter transfer market, whereas the rumours are once again heating up.

German media outlet Sport is reporting that La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao have already made initial contacts with Borussia Dortmund over the proposed move for Mikel Merino who is reportedly open to a switch to the Basque side.

Athletic Bilbao are known as a club that only features Basque-born players and Mikel Merino fits the bill given the fact he was born in Pamplona’s autonomous region of Navarre, which is an integral part of the Basque Country.

Merino’s contract with Dortmund runs until 2021.