GASTON Ramirez has returned to pre-season training with Saints, but it remains likely that the club will look to move him on this summer.

The Uruguay international was among the first intake of players to return to Staplewood this week, with his future still unclear.

Ramirez joined Saints to much fanfare in 2012, signing from Italian club Bologna in what was then a club-record £12m deal.

 

However, the 24-year-old playmaker has endured a disappointing three years since moving to England, failing to make much of an impact at St Mary's, while spending the bulk of last season on loan at Hull.

Ramirez has 12 months left to run on his Saints contract and, while the club are reinforcing their squad this summer ahead of a campaign that also includes European football, he is one they are understood to be willing to lose.

With Ramirez also believed to be on a sizeable wage, it would make a fair amount of financial sense for the club to clear him from their books if they can.

Bologna are rumoured to be considering a push to bring the player back to the club, while fellow Italian side Lazio have also been linked with a move for him.

Ramirez has started just 23 Premier League games for Saints since his arrival on the south coast, while also making 22 substitute appearances in the top-flight.

He has netted six goals in that time, while adding another two strikes in five cup matches.

Ramirez moved to Hull on transfer deadline day last summer, but ended up being something of a fringe player there.

He started 11 Premier League games, while making 11 substitute appearances, scoring just once, as the Tigers were relegated to the Championship.

Only two players in Saints history have cost more than Ramirez - Dani Osvaldo, another one they would like to offload, who they paid an initial £12.9m to Roma for in 2013, and Victor Wanyama, who cost £12.5m from Celtic the same year.

The transfer of Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool is finally expected to be confirmed today.

The right-back underwent a medical on Merseyside on Monday, after a fee was agreed between the clubs towards the end of last week.

Clyne, who is believed to be costing Liverpool about £12.5m, is expected to sign a five-year contract at Anfield, with Saints agreeing to sell him after it became clear he did not plan to extend his St Mary's deal, which was due to expire next summer.