Southampton close in on £11.8m Gaston Ramirez

Gaston Ramirez is edging closer to a move to Southampton, Press Association Sport understands.

The highly-rated 21-year-old has been the subject of speculation this summer after impressing in Serie A with Bologna.

Inter Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham were mooted as potential destinations for the Uruguay international, although he now looks set to join Premier League new boys Southampton.

It is understood that Saints have agreed a fee with Bologna for the winger - reported to be £11.8million - almost double the club record £6million paid for Burnley's Jay Rodriguez earlier in the summer.

The move is expected to progress over the weekend and Ramirez revealed he is close to penning a four-year deal with Nigel Adkins' side.

"I'm not sure what is happening yet," he told Corriere dello Sport. "Bologna will tell me today whether I am going (to Southampton) or not.

"Bologna have reached a final settlement with Southampton. There are only a few details remaining but the clubs have agreed in principle. And the English club has reached an agreement with me.

"I could not refuse, it's the classic offer you cannot refuse.

"I would have a four-year deal and they are giving me so much more money that would go towards my family and my future.

"They believe in me and above all they have told me they are going to grow as a club.

"Southampton is a newly promoted team in the English top flight but it has the means to stay there for a few years. To me they are going to build."

Ramirez would be Southampton's fifth signing of the summer, following the additions of Rodriguez, Steven Davis, Nathaniel Clyne and Paul Gazzaniga.

PA