Everton transfer news: Barcelona consider surprise swoop for Ramiro Funes Mori - reports

The news may come as a surprise to Everton fans, who watched their side implode in the second half of last season

Funes Mori (Getty)

In one of the more improbable transfer rumours of the summer, Barcelona are keeping tabs on Everton centre-half, Ramiro Funes Mori.

The news may come as a surprise to Everton fans, who watched their side implode in the second half of last season.

Mori, 25, joined the Toffees for £9.5m from River Plate only last summer, quickly establishing himself as a regular in Roberto Martinez’s side. The Argentine formed a youthful, ball-playing partnership with John Stones at the heart of the Everton defence.

The Liverpool Echo reported that Mori caught the eye of Barcelona scouts in attendance to watch Stones and Barca loanee, Gerard Deulofeu.

Although they hold an interest, no bid is expected imminently. Robert Fernandez, Barcelona sporting director said: “He’s a good player and we’ve known him well for a long time, but we’re not going to sign him this summer."

Mori was part of a defence that shipped 55 goals last season on their way to an eleventh placed finish. A disastrous run of form saw the Merseyside club part company with boss Martinez in May. Mori endured a miserable end to his season with a red card for a dangerous tackle on Divock Origi in the 4-0 Merseyside derby defeat.

Currently in the US, Mori is part of the Argentina squad that contests the Copa America semi-final on Wednesday against the host nation.