Argentine defender Mori close to joining Everton

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) Everton is close to signing Argentine center back Ramiro Funes Mori from River Plate.

The 24-year-old Mori was at Goodison Park on Sunday, wearing a blue-and-white Everton scarf around his neck as he watched the team play against Manchester City in the Premier League.

Everton manager Roberto Mancini says the club is waiting to secure a work permit and for Mori to pass a medical examination.

Mori was one of River Plate's best players in the team that won the 2014 Copa Sudamericana and 2015 Copa Libertadores. He has recently been called up by Argentina for its upcoming international matches.

Martinez says Mori ''will fit into our squad really well and bring a winning mentality.''

Everton is reportedly paying 5.5 million pounds ($8.6 million) for Mori, as the English side continues to rebuff attempts by Chelsea to sign central defender John Stones.