Report: Everton bid for River Plate defender Ramiro Funes Mori

Everton is looking to wrap up the signing of Argentinian international Ramiro Funes Mori for a fee of £5 million.

The 24-year-old is reported to be close to a deal with the Toffees, although he is likely to require a work permit.

Funes Mori made his international bow for Argentina earlier this year as he played the full 90 minutes of a friendly against El Salvador. He has collected numerous medals during his four years with River Plate, including most recently the prestigious Copa Libertadores, where he scored in the second leg of the final.

Following the summer departures of Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz, Everton has become short on players in the centre of defense.

The arrival of Funes Mori could also pave the way for John Stones to move to Chelsea. The Blues are reported to be ready with a fourth offer for the English defender, but would like to see Stones hand in a transfer request to show he is eager to join the Stamford Bridge outfit.