Championship pacesetters Middlesbrough have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Gaston Ramirez from Southampton.

According to Tuttomercatoweb.com, Boro have taken the lead in the race to sign the 25-year-old on loan.

Ramirez, whose Saints contract expires in the summer, has played less than 30 minutes of Premier League football in three substitute appearances this season.

Swansea City and Italian outfit Bologna, Ramirez's former club, are also said to be interested in the Uruguayan playmaker.