Johnny Heitinga's days at Everton appear to be numbered. The Dutchman looks set to sail away from the Premier League after expressing his desire to move - and that's almost exactly what happened in January but for a collapse in transfer negotiations with the Turkish side Fenerbahce, after "Everton asked too much". The 29 year old Dutch international only started 17 League matches under Moyes last term, and is now playing out the final year in his Everton contract. He has also warned the club that "if they want to earn something for me, this is the moment".
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| Goodbye? Hetinga looks set to leave Goodison Park. |
His performances in the 2011/12 season earned him the 'Player of the season' accolade. However, this season he has been pushed down the pecking order - with Distin arguably playing his best season for the Toffees, and striking up a good defensive relationship with new club captain Jagielka along the way. The veteran centre-back is set to turn 36 this year, so retirement does not seem far away.
It would be incredible if we could receive anything close to the £6 million price-tag we paid for Heitinga in 2009 - but it is unlikely due to a mixture of poor form and the limited length of time on his contract. With this apparent departure looming and with Distin's age, our defence must be an area which needs addressing this summer. These events could pave a way back for Lescott, who has fallen out of favour at the Etidad - although wages might be an issue.
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