Ramiro Funes Mori underwent Chelsea trial prior to securing Everton move

Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has spoken of the time that Chelsea had the option to sign him, although they eventually opted not to apply for a work permit for the Argentina international. Instead Mori moved to Merseyside on the final day of the recent transfer window and made his debut in the 3-1 win over Jose Mourinho's side on 12 September.

The ex-River Plate centre-back moved to Goodison Park for £9.7m ($15m), according to The Express, but had previously underwent a trial in West London alongside his brother Rogelio. But After making his first appearance in victory over Chelsea, he told reporters that his career could have taken a different path had he moved to Stamford Bridge.

"It can be said that it's my second spell at England," he said, according to The Daily Express. "I had a trial for Chelsea a few years ago alongside my twin brother.

"We stayed at Chelsea for two weeks, but had to leave because we didn't have a European passport. Well, I still don't have a European passport but Everton truly wanted me. So now I hope to be ready and get used to playing in the Premier League as soon as possible.

"I'm extremely happy to be here at Everton. This is a new adventure for me. Since I landed in Liverpool, Everton fans have showed me all their love even though they had not heard about me before. I'm so convinced about having moved to Everton. It's true that Villarreal were after me too, but I didn't even hesitate when Everton called me. [Roberto] Martinez told me that he trusts me."