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Everton transfer news: "It's a dream to join a big club like Everton"

Everton's South American new boys speak - and they can't wait to get started

Juliana Flister/Getty Images

In their first interviews since joining Everton late in the transfer window, new signings Leandro Rodriguez and Ramiro Funes Mori have spoken of their excitement at moving to Goodison Park.

Striker Rodriguez joined from Uruguayan side River Plate Montevideo last week for an undisclosed fee while defender Funes Mori cost a rather hefty £9.5m from the Argentine River Plate on transfer deadline day.

While both players are expected to act as back-up to Everton's starting XI Roberto Martinez says they are ready to be involved with the first-team squad, starting with next week's much anticipated game against champions Chelsea.

Even the most dedicated of football hipster would struggle to tell you much about Rodriguez and Funes Mori, meaning the supporters are intrigued, excited and a touch worried about how good (or bad) they really are.

They are at least saying the right things. In an interview with the official Everton site Rodriguez strugged to hide his delight at making the move to the Premier League while also giving us a hint as what to expect from him.

"I watched players like Romelu Lukaku in Uruguay, so I am very happy to be able to play with players like that.

"I don’t think there’s any doubt that I’ll enjoy playing with these players - I’m somebody that likes to get involved with my teammates.

"It’s a big dream to come to a large club like Everton. It’s also a very big responsibility but I am very confident in my abilities.

"I think the coach and I enjoy the same type of football and I’m going to give my best efforts for the club. Also, the people in the club will give me confidence to play."

Funes Mori meanwhile was also quick to say the right things and express his excitement at being able to test himself against some of the best attacking players in the world.

"For me, it's the best league in the world. Since I was a kid, I've been watching the league.

It's a very intense league, dynamic and obviously I'll have to adapt to that but it shouldn't take too long.

"There are lots of very big players who have played in this league, very important players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, a lot of others.

"To follow their steps is fantastic and I'm looking forward to testing myself against the attackers in the league."It's a high level of competition all over the pitch.

"The strikers are very strong, very skilful and I will have to be concentrating all the time to do my best to stop them and help the team.

"I am excited and hopefully I can win many things here."