Everton’s Ramiro Funes Mori reveals he was close to joining Chelsea

Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has revealed he was close to joining Premier League champions Chelsea but passport problems scuppered the move.

The Argentina defender, a £9.5m deadline day signing from River Plate, made his Everton debut in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea as a second-half substitute, playing the final 13 minutes at Goodison Park.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has refuted claims that the club were considering to sell Steven Naismith, after the player himself admitted he was on the verge of a move to Norwich City. Martinez told me that he trusts me.”.

“It is clear that Ramiro has got that experience”, said Martinez.

“Well, I still dont have a European passport but Everton truly wanted me. It’s one of the best leagues in the world.

“I don’t think along the lines that him staying is bad for me. It makes it easier to communicate with my teammates and the manager”.

The 24-year-old could have been playing for Chelsea though, if not for red tape preventing him from making the switch to London, having trialled at Stamford Bridge.

Everton generally station Phil Jagielka and John Stones at the heart of their defence, and the pair have made a bright start to the season, meaning Mori may have to be patient before receiving the regular starting action he craves.

“It’s very important to get my experience as a player”, he said.

Chelsea’s interest in Stones however is not likely to go away for good, and Ranocchia could still come up on the Toffees’ radar. Since I landed in Liverpool, Everton fans have showed me all their love even though they had not heard about me before.