Gaston Ramirez open to Italy return

Southampton's record signing Gaston Ramirez has admitted that he would consider returning to Italy later in his career.

The Uruguayan international joined the Saints from Serie A side Bologna in a £14m deal this summer.

After initially struggling with injuries, the 21-year-old has settled into life at Southampton well and has been instrumental in helping them record a four-match unbeaten run.

Amid reported interest from Fiorentina, Ramirez has said he would be happy to play in Italy again but insisted that his current focus is on life at St Mary's.

"In Bologna I was fine, but now I think about Southampton," he told Tuttomercatoweb.

"Coming back to Italy? In England I discovered a fantastic football. But in life never say never, in Italy, as well as in England, there are many important teams.

"Me to Fiorentina? It would be nice, they are playing very well and I like coach [Vincenzo] Montella. In every game the team are having fun, they have great quality. Why not? I'd come back in Italy, I like it and I was fine there."

Ramirez has scored twice for Southampton in eight appearances this season.