Wednesday 25 January 2017 21:30, UK
Gaston Ramirez has handed in a transfer request to Middlesbrough amid interest from Leicester, Sky sources understand.
The Uruguay international signed a permanent deal at the Riverside in the summer, after spending the second half of last season on loan from Southampton.
But it is understood Ramirez is keen on a move to the Premier League champions and has informed the Middlesbrough hierarchy of his desire to leave in this window.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka was adamant Ramirez would still be a Middlesbrough player at the end of January when faced with questions over the player's future earlier this month.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Boro's stalemate against Watford, Karanka said: "He is staying, he is enjoying it a lot and is a really important player for us, having only arrived one year ago."
Ramirez has scored two goals in 17 appearances for Middlesbrough this season, including a stunning solo-effort in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth in October.
The 26-year-old has not featured since the goalless draw with Leicester on January 2, although Karanka has insisted his absence is due to injury.
