Everton snap up Castillo and join Pompey in race for Brazilian Motta

have agreed a deal to sign Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo from Red Star Belgrade, as well as making a late inquiry for Atletico Madrid's Brazil midfielder Thiago Motta.

26-year-old Castillo will link up with David Moyes' squad and undergo a medical in the next 24 hours.

The defensive midfielder joined Red Star from Ecuadorian club El Nacional in
2006 after starting his career with El Deportivo ESPOLI.

Castillo has 33 caps for the South American country and played for them in the 2006 World Cup, appearing in their narrow second-round defeat at the hands of
England.

He previously had a trial with Blackburn but Rovers could not agree a deal with the Serbian club.

Yet his signing by the Toffees is also subject to a work permit application which has been lodged with the Home Office.

26-year-old Motta, meanwhile, is available on a free transfer.

The player proved his fitness on trial at Portsmouth, but David Moyes has moved in.

And Moyes also hopes to sign Guinea utility man Kamil Zayatte, 23, from Young Boys of Berne.