Everton FC make work permit application for midfield target Ever Banega

Banega does not meet the necessary criteria having not played in 75% of Argentina's full internationals during the last two years.

However, the midfielder is highly-rated having been signed by Valencia for around £15million 18 months ago, although a failure to settle in meant he spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Everton will hope for a better outcome than last year, when their attempts to sign Inter Milan striker Victor Obinna on a similar deal floundered when the work permit application for the Nigerian was rejected.

Moyes is also determined to bring in another centre-back, with Middlesbrough's Robert Huth now having overtaken Philippe Senderos of Arsenal as the main target.

Meanwhile, Leighton Baines believes keeping a clean sheet will be crucial to Everton taking a significant step towards qualification for the Europa League group stage.

Moyes's side entertain Czech outfit Sigma Olomouc in the first leg of their play-off tomorrow still smarting from Saturday's 6-1 thrashing at home to Arsenal.

And Baines admits Everton will have to be patient as they aim to take a lead into the second leg next Thursday.

"First and foremost we'll be looking to get a clean sheet," said the left-back. "Not just because we conceded so many in the last game, but also because we don't want to concede an away goal in Europe.

"We want to come away from the game and go over there with a few goals as well. It might not happen in the first 15 or 20 minutes but we don't want to go all gung-ho in the first half at the risk of conceding a goal, so it's important that we play sensibly.

"The important thing is that we come away with a good win. It's good for us to have a game again so quickly and a chance to put in a performance.

"It's important for us to get into the group stage. We missed out on it last time after losing to Standard Liege, so we will be looking to go on a good run."