Everton defender Johnny Heitinga heading for exit door

Dutch defender Johnny Heitinga is heading for a January Everton exit after Roberto Martinez confirmed that the player could be sold. The player has slipped down the pecking order at the Toffees since Martinez's arrival and there are reports of a return to the Netherlands for the defender.

Heitinga arrived at Goodison Park in 2009 when he was signed on a five year deal from Atletico Madrid for around 7 million Euros. Since then, Heitinga has gone on to regularly play in the first team but since former manager David Moyes quit the club, Heitinga has found himself surplus to requirements behind the likes of Phil Jagielka. His former club Ajax are amongst the teams interested in the 30-year-old, whilst there are also reports of interest in Serie A, with Napoli and Roma reportedly linked with a transfer for the player.


Heitinga has played in only two games this year, both coming in the League Cup. Last year he played 30 times in all competitions under David Moyes and the defender is known to be furious with Roberto Martinez's decision to leave him on the sidelines.