Gaston Ramirez completes Sampdoria move

Gaston Ramirez has completed a move from Middlesbrough to Sampdoria on a permanent deal, the two sides have confirmed.

The 26-year-old attacker joined Boro on loan from Southampton in January 2016, helping them to Premier League promotion before signing a permanent deal that summer.

Following the side's relegation back to the Championship, the Uruguay international was linked with an exit from the Riverside Stadium, with Real Betis believed to have submitted an offer for his services last month.

Ramirez is said to have rejected the deal with the La Liga side, however, as it represented "an economic step-down" from his existing deal with Boro, but now he has sealed a switch to the Serie A side on undisclosed terms.

During his time with Boro, Ramirez scored nine times in 40 league appearances.