Everton sign Leandro Rodriguez on four-year deal

Everton have announced the signing of young Uruguayan striker Leandro Rodriguez on a four-year deal.

The 22-year-old has joined the Toffees from River Plate Montevideo for an undisclosed fee.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez suggested that Rodriguez would be part of his first-team plans.

"[He] is a young striker with a real knack of scoring goals," Martinez told the club website.

"But he's much more than that, too. His contribution is a lot more than that and hopefully we can provide a path where he can develop and enjoy his football. If he can do that, clearly that's going to bring goals to the first team.

"He probably won't [need time with the Under-21s] because he has played enough games with his first team in Uruguay in a really competitive league.

For hometown club Montevideo, Rodriguez netted 19 goals in 71 games.