Heitinga holds Everton talks

It's looking increasingly likely that Johnny Heitinga will be signing a new contract extension to stay at Everton

The 28-year-old has always been linked with moves away from Goodison Park throughout his entire stay on Merseyside, with the most recent rumours linking him with a summer move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.

But in more recent months the Dutch international has appeared happier at Everton and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season after this, Everton have offered the defender a new deal.

'There is a big chance that I sign a new contract at Everton,' Heitinga told the media at his Dutch training camp during the international break.

He continued: 'I just had a new contract proposal. The deal is not done yet. But I really love it at Everton.

'Everton is a beautiful club with great fans.'

But whilst the defender appears to be happy, the Echo have speculated that negotiations have actually been ongoing for some time and are yet not close to a conclusion.

This of course doesn't mean it won't happen, but its interesting timing why Heitinga would mention this now. Does it mean a breakthrough has been found? Or by going public does Heitinga hope to force Everton's hand to speed up the process.

It wouldn't surprise me if he started talking about a return to Ajax again next!



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