John Heitinga eyeing Everton FC exit as David Moyes weighs up Thomas Hitzlsperger's future

Ian Doyle
Dec 29 2012

John Heitinga gets instructions from Everton FC manager David Moyes

UNHAPPY John Heitinga is eyeing an Everton departure next month – as David Moyes prepares to make a decision on the future of Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Heitinga has seen his first-team opportunities at Goodison limited this season with Sylvain Distin preferred as the regular centre-back partner to Phil Jagielka.

The Dutchman, who was on the bench for the Boxing Day home win against Wigan Athletic, has started only eight Premier League games this season, with six more appearances as substitute.

And the 29-year-old’s agent, Rob Jansen, was quoted in Holland yesterday stating his client would welcome a move during the January transfer window.

“Heitinga is definitely not happy with what is happening at Everton and we don’t hide that,” said Jansen. “He is looking at a solution.

“When an appropriate situation arises for a transfer, we will certainly not ignore it.”

Heitinga has previously been linked with a return to former club Ajax and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich with Italian rivals AC Milan and Inter are reportedly keeping a watching brief on the defender’s situation.

While Heitinga is likely to be on the bench once again for tomorrow’s Premier League visit of in-form Chelsea, Hitzlsperger is hoping to retain his place in central midfield with Marouane Fellaini serving the final game of his three-match ban and Darron Gibson undergoing a scan on the thigh problem that forced him off against Wigan.

Hitzlsperger has made five appearances since arriving at Everton in October having signed a short-term contract until the end of January.

And of the German’s future, Moyes said: “We will do something in the middle of January. When I’m ready, I’ll do something.”

Hitzlsperger, who missed much of the previous season with a serious knee injury, is keen to extend his stay at Goodison having worked his way back to full fitness and into the starting line-up.

“It is good to be involved,” said the 30-year-old. “Over Christmas you need all the players in the squad because people can drop out through injury or get fatigued. I made sure I was ready and waiting for my chance.