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Southampton beat Tottenham to Gaston Ramirez
SOUTHAMPTON have beaten Tottenham for Bologna's Gaston Ramirez, according to reports in Italy.
The 21-year-old who has had interest from a number of Premier League clubs following his excellent Olympic campaign with Uruguay is at the centre of a deal between Southampton and the Italian team.
Southampton chairman Nicola Cortese has brokered a deal, which is believed to be worth £11.8million.
According to sources in Italy, Ramirez is set to fly to England to conclude a move to Southampton.
He told Corriere dello Sport, "Bologna will tell me on Friday if I can move.
"The truth is that I think, yes, this time I am moving. Bologna has reached an agreement with Southampton, and there are only a few details to be found but the agreement in principle is done."
He added: "The English club has reached an agreement with me, it is the classic offer that you cannot refuse for my life as a whole and my family.
The truth is that I think, yes, this time I am moving
"But they believe in me in every way, I will be essential and above all they are going to grow. Southampton is a newly promoted team in the English top-flight but they will become a big team in years to come.
"They have told me they are going to build and that is very stimulating."
Ramirez said sorry to fans in Italy for his departure but explained: "I hope the fans understand that Bologna is the time for me to go."