Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori was keen on a move to River Plate in January.

In quotes attributed to TyC Sports, Funes Mori said he asked his agent to explore the possibility of a short-term return to his homeland.

He said, “I wanted to go back to River to get up to pace and get to the World Cup well, so I told my manager, but it was difficult, so it's over and everything is fine."

The 27-year-old was part of Everton's travelling squad for the weekend's game with Stoke City but was not included in the matchday squad.