Former Middlesbrough loanee Gaston Ramirez, has joined up with the side ahead of their pre-season trip to Marbella, ahead of a permanent transfer.

Waiting on a permit

Ramirez struggled in England before his move to the Riverside Stadium, after struggling to fit the bill as Southampton's record signing, and failing to impress at Hull City. Things were on the up after he moved to Teesside on loan in January, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances helping them towards their eventual promotion.

Ramirez had signed a pre-contract agreement with Uruguayan side Penerol back in January, but had agreed a three-year deal to return to Aitor Karanka's side.

However due to his lack of international games, Ramirez didn't automatically qualify for a work permit. The issue was resolved over the weekend, which allowed the 25-year-old to fly into the country and meet up with the side before they flew to Marbella. Ramirez will also be joined by current first-team members, Dani Ayala and Albert Adomah, who missed out on the 2-0 win over Doncaster Rovers with knocks.

Above: Middlesbrough target Alvaro Negredo in action for Valencia | Photo: Gazette Live
Middlesbrough target Alvaro Negredo in action for Valencia | Photo: Gazette Live

Adding strike power

It has already been a busy summer already at the Riverside with Ramirez set to become the eighth signing so far. ​Boro have already completed the deals for Victor Valdes, Bernardo Espinosa, Antonio Barragan, Viktor Fischer and Marten de Roon with deals for Ramirez and Neven Subotic nearing completion.

​Arguably the club's biggest pull this summer will be the capture of former Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo. ​It is believed that the club have agreed a one-year loan deal with Valencia, pending a successful medical.

​It is believed that the striker could join up with the squad in Marbella, Negredo did train with Valencia on Monday, but is expected to not travel to Holland ahead of the imminent move. Middlesbrough will take on La Liga side Real Betis at the Marbella Stadium on Tuesday, July 19 with kick-off at 7pm BST.

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Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.