Borussia Dortmund have allowed Mikel Merino to miss the team's training camp in Switzerland to negotiate a transfer amid reports he is set to join Newcastle United on loan.
Bet on Dortmund to win the Bundesliga
The midfielder joined Dortmund a year ago from Osasuna for €3.85 million but he has been looking for a way out during the current transfer window after playing just eight times in the Bundesliga.
Merino, 21, has been targeted by Athletic Club, who were said to be willing to pay €10m for him, and Real Sociedad.
However, Goal understands the Spain Under-21 international is headed for the Premier League as Newcastle are now close to completing the signing after reaching an agreement with the German side.
Dortmund are reluctant to let him go permanently, however, and therefore he is expected to join Rafael Benitez's side on loan with a €7m option to buy the midfielder.
Inside the mind of Jurgen Klopp
And BVB confirmed they have given him permission to skip the journey to Switzerland as a deal nears its conclusion.
"We have released [Mikel Merino] for talks with another club," a tweet from the club's official account read.