Gaston Ramirez hands in transfer request

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has revealed that Gaston Ramirez has handed in a transfer request amid interest from Leicester City.

The English champions are seeking to add a couple of recruits to their squad as they look to save the embarrassment of being relegated just a season after their historic league triumph.

Ramirez has been linked with the Foxes for some while, and Karanka has now confirmed that there is indeed interest from the Premier League holders.

Boro have already snubbed an undisclosed offer from the Foxes, but they are open to cashing in on Ramirez at the right price.

"No one player is more important than the team, but the offer has to be right for the club before a player will leave," Karanka told reporters. 

Ramirez joined Middlesbrough on a permanent deal from Hull City last summer following a successful loan spell during the previous campaign.