OPINION
Middlesbrough have reportedly given playmaker Gaston Ramirez permission to speak to other clubs this summer and Aston Villa should attempt to lure the Uruguayan to Villa Park.
Sky Sports’ north east reporter Keith Downie claimed on his personal Twitter account that Garry Monk’s side are willing to allow the 26-year-old attacker to leave the Riverside Stadium.
It is said that Serie A outfit Sampdoria are interested in signing the 42-time international this summer, with Ramirez now in Italy in an attempt to thrash out a move.
Garry Monk confirms they've given Gaston Ramirez permission to speak to another club. We understand he's in Italy talking to Sampdoria.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 3, 2017
It remains to be seen how much the former Southampton and Bologna star will cost any interested parties, with two years still to run on his existing contract on Teesside.
Ramirez starred for Boro last season and was one of their most influential attackers in the final third, as he looked to provide the creative spark in their fight against relegation.
He scored twice and added another three goals but it is his Championship form that could see Villa manager Steve Bruce attracted to Middlesbrough’s number 21.
Ramirez was loaned to Middlesbrough during their promotion from the second division in 2015-16, starring for Boro in the second half of the season with seven goals and four assists in 18 outings.
With experience of achieving promotion from the Championship, Ramirez has the form and the know-how which could be key in helping Villa make the step up at the second time of asking.
Villa managed just 47 goals in 46 games last season and will now be without Jack Grealish after the England youth international suffered a kidney injury which is set to keep him out until the end of 2017.
TeamTalk also claim that Ross McCormack could be about to join Sunderland, highlighting the need for attacking midfielders. Throwing his versatility in the final third into the mix, Ramirez can be his replacement.
Combining Ramirez’s Championship form, Villa’s need for a player such as Ramirez and his ability to play anywhere in attack, the former Hull star should be signed immediately to face the Tigers in time for Saturday’s Championship opener.