The long-running John Stones saga may have taken another twist after Everton completed a deal for a long-term defensive target.
Roberto Martinez offered a very unconvincing explanation for Stones’ transfer request, amid strong interest from Chelsea.
And the youngster may yet move to Stamford Bridge after the Toffees stocked up on defensive reinforcements, bringing in Argentine centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori for £9.5m.
CONFIRMED: #EFC complete signing of defender Ramiro Funes Mori for a fee of £9.5m on a five-year deal. #WelcomeFunes pic.twitter.com/VqzR9NZQol
— Everton (@Everton) September 1, 2015
Funes, who arrives from River Plate, grew up in the United States but came through the Argentinian club’s youth set-up before making his debut in 2011.
The fee suggests the one-cap international will be first-choice, though some South American football experts aren’t convinced by the deal.
Ramiro Funes Mori, and his twin brother, started their careers by winning a footballing X Factor.
— Rupert Fryer (@Rupert_Fryer) August 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/robbro7/status/633682787485286401
As for Stones, Chelsea only have a few hours to test Everton’s resolve with a new bid.
But with Senegal defender Papy Djilobodji also on Jose Mourinho’s radar, with a £2.7m bid rumoured, the England international may stay put for now at least.
