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
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