Southampton midfielder Gaston Ramirez on cusp of joining Middlesbrough?

Uruguay international Gaston Ramirez is reportedly on verge of joining Middlesbrough on loan.

The Southampton midfielder has been told by Saints boss Ronald Koeman to seek a new club this month with his contract at St Mary's due to expire at the end of the season.

A number of clubs have been linked with the 25-year-old, but according to The Mirror, Ramirez is closing on a loan move to Boro, where he will spend the remainder of the 2015-16 campaign.

The attacker cost Southampton £12m from Bologna in 2012, but has largely struggled to make his mark down South.

It is understood that Boro, who are currently top of the Championship, will take on some of Ramirez's £65,000-a-week wages.