Everton complete deal for River Plate defender Ramiro Funes Mori

Everton have completed the signing of River Plate defender Ramiro Funes Mori.

The Argentine defender will join the Blues for £9.5million and becoming their fifth signing of the summer, after the captures of Gerard Deulofeu, Tom Cleverley, Leandro Rodriguez and Mason Holgate.

Funes Mori had actually agreed personal terms and passed a medical last week, he was spotted in the stands for the game at home to Manchester City, but has had to wait until deadline day to complete the move as work permit issues arose.

With those now sorted however, he is free to join up with his new squad, with it being believed he will sign a five-year deal with the Toffees.

His signing will come as a welcome boost to manager Roberto Martinez, who has been left severely short of senior defensive cover this season.

Both Antonlin Alcaraz and Sylvain Distin both left the club this summer, meaning the Spaniard has only Phil Jagielka and John Stones as his senior centre halves, with youngsters Tyias Browning and Mason Holgate as back up.

Funes Mori will expect to come in and compete straight away then, although whether he can supplant either Jagielka or Stones seems unlikely at present.