Thursday 26 January 2017 14:33, UK
Middlesbrough have rejected an offer from Leicester City for Gaston Ramirez, head coach Aitor Karanka has revealed.
Sky Sports News HQ reported on Wednesday that the Uruguay international had handed in a transfer request, which was confirmed by Karanka at his press conference on Thursday.
Ramirez has not featured for Boro since January 2 when he started their 0-0 draw with Claudio Ranieri's Premier League champions at the Riverside.
He has scored two goals in 17 appearances in all competitions this season and Karanka recently said his absence from the side was down to injury.
Karanka also confirmed Ramirez remains in his plans despite his clear frustration over his transfer request.
"Yes, he's handed in a transfer request. It's frustrating. He was calling us to play here last season, he got back to his best here, he got back in the national team," Karanka said.
"It's frustrating as a coach and a person. As a professional I have to deal with it like I did the [Albert] Adomah situation.
"Nobody is bigger than the team. At the end, if we don't receive the right offer, he will be an important player.
"We have a really good example with Albert. I don't know how many times there were rumours that I had a really, really bad relationship with Albert, but the first day he played, he scored and he came to me to give me a hug."
Ramirez joined Boro on a permanent deal over the summer after spending the second part of 2015/16 on loan with Karanka's side and helping them achieve promotion.
