Everton sign defender Ramiro Funes Mori from River Plate

London: Argentine centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori has joined Everton from River Plate for a fee of £9.5 million (Dh53.71 million), the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old defender, capped once by Argentina, has signed a five-year contract.

“When I heard about Everton’s interest, I didn’t think twice,” Funes told the Everton website. “My agent told me about this opportunity and Everton did everything to bring me over and I wanted to come.

“I feel happy because the people here have shown me a lot of love and I’m very happy and comfortable here already.

“I saw the people at Goodison Park and I saw they were a family and all cheering the players and obviously I liked that atmosphere. Hopefully I can fit straight into the group, we can get along and do big things here.”

Funes will provide cover for Phil Jagielka and Chelsea target John Stones following the departures of Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz.

Chelsea are believed to have made three bids for England defender Stones, but Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has declared that he is not for sale.