Mikel Merino has insisted that he is only focusing on finishing the season strongly for Real Sociedad amid the speculation surrounding his future with the Basque outfit.

The Spain international has been in strong form for La Real during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring seven goals and registering five assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.

The 27-year-old only has little over 12 months left to run on his current deal, which has led to a host of talk surrounding his future, with Manchester United said to be keen on his signature.

Manchester City are also believed to be admirers of the midfielder, who has four goals and three assists in 24 La Liga appearances this term.

However, Merino has said that his focus is purely on helping Real Sociedad secure European action for next season, with talks over a possible new contract not currently his concern.

"The only thing I have in mind is to finish the season well. That [contract negotiations] is for my representative and the president to carry out," Merino told Marca.

"During all these years I have shown total commitment and in these final months of the season I want to make sure that Real Sociedad are where they deserve, which is playing in Europe.

"I want to make history with the club. It would be five consecutive seasons of qualifying for Europe, something that no one has achieved. It would bring great pride to achieve it."

Merino started his professional career with Osasuna before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2016, but he only made nine appearances for the German outfit during a disappointing spell.

The midfielder has experience of playing in the Premier League, having represented Newcastle United between 2017 and 2018, initially moving to the Magpies on loan before it become a permanent deal.

Merino made 25 appearances for the English club before returning to Spain, and he has represented Real Sociedad on 234 occasions, scoring 26 goals and registering 30 assists in the process.

The midfielder has also been capped on 20 occasions by Spain, and he played the full 90 minutes of his country's 1-0 defeat to Colombia on Friday night.

Real Sociedad are sixth in the La Liga table, four points ahead of seventh-placed Real Betis, and their current position would secure a spot in the Conference League playoff round for next season.

Juventus have also been credited with an interest in Merino alongside the two Manchester giants from the Premier League.