Middlesbrough are set to secure Gaston Ramirez on a permanent basis.

Sky Sports reports that the Uruguay international has signed a contract with Boro, although the Teesside club is yet to confirm the deal.

Attacking midfielder Ramirez spent the second half of last season on loan at the Riverside Stadium from Southampton, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances, and is now set to move to Middlesbrough on a less temporary basis.

It is understood that Ramirez, who came out of contract with the Saints earlier this summer, has agreed a three-year deal and will link up with Aitor Karanka's squad on their pre-season training camp in Marbella, Spain.