Gaston Ramirez 'turns down Real Betis contract'

Middlesbrough attacker Gaston Ramirez has reportedly rejected a contract offer from Real Betis.

The 26-year-old, who scored twice in 22 Premier League appearances for Middlesbrough last season, has been strongly linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium following the team's relegation to the Championship.

It is understood that Betis have had a transfer offer accepted by Middlesbrough, but according to ABC de Sevilla, Ramirez has rejected the Spanish club's first contract as the 'economic offer was a step down'.

The report, however, adds that Ramirez is still interested in talking to the La Liga club with a view to reaching an agreement before the start of the 2017-18 campaign.

Ramirez has spent the last five years in England, initially representing Southampton before joining Middlesbrough on a three-year contract in last summer's transfer window.