Martinez refuses to talk Stones, looks to Oviedo's return

Having grown weary of the continuing John Stones saga, Everton manager Roberto Martinez had one reason to be positive ahead of tomorrow’s Carling Cup fixture against League One Barnsley: The return of injury-plagued defender Bryan Oviedo.

The Costa Rica international has been dogged by fitness concerns in the last two seasons but is ready to reignite his Everton career.

“Bryan Oviedo will start. Bryan has been really unfortunate over the last year or so but he’s been working really well in pre-season and was fantastic in training yesterday,” he said.

“We are all very excited to see him enjoying his football again. We know how difficult it has been for him to miss out on the World Cup and some important games.

“You just feel sometimes as a footballer you need to hit rock-bottom in order to look up and start building your own potential, and I think Bryan is fully refreshed and desperate to be on the pitch.”

The club are also trying to tie up deals for Argentinian defender Ramiro Funes Mori and his River Plate teammate Leandro Rodriguez, a striker.

SEE MORE: Martinez, Everton remain firm on Stones while closing in on Funes Mori.

“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,” Martinez said.

Martinez was less forthright regarding the ongoing story of John Stones, who reportedly handed in a formal transfer request in an attempt to move to Chelsea.

SEE MORE: John Stones hands in transfer request to try to force move to Chelsea, says report.

“Once more, it is always the same question and always the same answer,” said the Everton manager ahead of their Capital One Cup trip to League One Barnsley.

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