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River Plate and Argentina defender Ramiro Funes Mori is closing in on a move to Everton, sources have told ESPN FC. Everton boss Roberto Martinez has made a new central defender one of his top priorities this summer after the departures of Sylvain Distin and Antonio Alcaraz. Everton are also battling to keep hold of Chelsea target John Stones -- with Chelsea's latest bid of £30 million being rejected earlier this week -- but the Merseyside club plan to bring in Mori whether the England international departs or not. Funes Mori, 24, is regarded as one of the best young defenders in South America after helping River Plate win the Copa Libertadores last season. The Toffees have been in advanced talks with River Plate for a number of weeks after several scouting missions to Argentina. The two clubs have agreed a fee in the region of £5.5 million, but the move is dependent on Funes Mori securing a work permit with Everton fearing they could struggle to obtain due to his lack of international appearances. Funes Mori has one cap to his name after making his debut for Argentina earlier this year against El Salvador. Although he was not part of the Albiceleste group that reached the final of this summer's Copa America, he has been included in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico next month. Spanish side Villarreal are also chasing Funes Mori, but Everton are confident if they can obtain a work permit for the player he will make the move to Goodison Park. He would become the second defensive signing of the summer at Goodison Park, following the arrival of 18-year-old Mason Holgate from Barnsley.
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