Everton hopeful of signing Ramiro Funes Mori and Leandro Rodriguez

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is hopeful of tying up deals to sign Ramiro Funes Mori and Leandro Rodriguez.

The Goodison Park club are close to an agreement for River Plate defender Funes Mori, although they would have to secure a work permit for the once-capped Argentina international.

"At the moment it hasn't been concluded but we are positive about the outcome," said Martinez.

"We have a good relationship with River Plate and we are hopeful we can get Ramiro as an Everton player over the next few hours.

"There has been a bit of a change in the work permit rules and we will take the opportunity to test the new process in place, and we are quite confident we can achieve the points needed."

Martinez is also very keen on River Plate Montevideo striker Rodriguez, who has scored 18 goals in 70 appearances for his Uruguayan side.

"We always keep an eye on young players of potential and Leandro is a very talented young man," he said.

"At the moment there is nothing to announce but he would fit into that outstanding young talent like Mason Holgate and is a player who we would love to see if we could get a positive outcome."

But Martinez would not comment on the future of defender John Stones, appearing frustrated at again having to answer questions about the Chelsea target.

"Once more, it is always the same question and always the same answer," he said, speaking before the Capital One Cup clash with Barnsley on Wednesday.

"The only thing that matters now is the game we have in front of us. There is nothing to announce or discuss."

Pressed again on what the club's response would be to a Stones transfer request Martinez added: "There is nothing to comment on that."