28.08.2015 20:22 h

Everton sign Uruguay's Rodriguez

Leandro Rodriguez (l.)
Leandro Rodriguez (l.)

Uruguayan striker Leandro Rodriguez has joined Everton from River Plate Montevideo for an undisclosed fee, the English Premier League club said Friday.

The 22-year-old forward has signed a four-year contract, with Argentinian central defender Ramiro Funes Mori also tipped to be on his way to Goodison Park during the transfer window.

Rodriguez scored 19 goals in 71 games for River Plate Montevideo, his hometown club, and Everton manager Roberto Martinez is looking forward to him scoring yet more goals on Merseyside.

"Leandro is one of those young players that we have identified to give them a path and allow them to develop in our system," Martinez said.

"We're very excited; he's someone who can produce a goal out of nothing, is hard working with a really strong combination play," the Spaniard added.

"He's already had experience at his club in Uruguay and his goal-scoring record is quite impressive for a young man at 22. We hope we can give him the environment with Mason Holgate and other youngsters that we feel very, very strong about."

Everton, seventh in English football's top flight, are away to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.