Ramirez joins Middlesbrough on loan

Gastón Ramírez has joined Championship Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season.

Ramírez , who is in the last six months of his contract, has struggled to make an impact at St. Mary's since joining the Saints for a then record fee in 2012.

Since joining the club, the Uruguayan international has made 55 appearances and has scored eight goals.

The 25-year-old spent the majority of last season on loan at Hull City.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed told Southampton's official website: "We would like to wish Gastón all the best at Middlesbrough and with the opportunity to play regular first-team football for a club that is pushing for promotion to the Premier League."

It has been reported that Ramírez has taken a pay cut to join the promotion hopefuls with Southampton and Middlesbrough reportedly each paying half of the attacking midfielder's wages.