Report: Southampton's Gaston Ramirez likely to be loaned out

Southampton's former record signing Gaston Ramirez is likely to be loaned out in order to get regular competitive football.

The 24-year-old was not moved on during the summer transfer window and now, according to the Southern Daily Echo, manager Ronald Koeman is considering his options after admitting there is no first-team future for the Uruguayan.

Since signing for then-manager Nigel Adkins in 2012, the £12-million man has struggled with a succession of injuries that have hampered his career in England. With just 23 appearances in the Saints' first 11, he comes at a cost of over £500 thousand a start.

Although a loan deal wouldn't necessarily take all of Ramirez's salary off the wage bill, it would lift some of the burden with a percentage likely to be covered and possibly the receipt of a fee to lend the former Bologna player.

It is understood that a likely route for the attacking midfielder could be with a Championship side. He has previously spent a temporary spell away from the south coast club, in the Premier League with Hull City last season.

The football league loan window opens on Wednesday.

The other option for Koeman and Ramirez would be a mutual agreement to terminate his contract altogether. Despite being in the final year of his deal, this could still incur a large settlement for the unwanted player.