John Heitinga says he has rejected a move to West Ham amid reports that Newcastle United are set to swoop.
The Everton defender was reported to be on the verge of a January switch to Upton Park but has now been quoted in the Dutch press claiming the deal is off.
‘The deal has been cancelled,’ Heitinga said. ‘This has nothing to do with money, but is only about the feeling I got.
“This might be the most important decision of my career, so everything has to be just right. We reached the conclusion that this is not the case after we held talks.’
Meanwhile, the son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan says the club suspect Heitinga is heading north to Tyneside. Jack Sullivan tweeted: ‘Sadly Heitinga will not be joining us. We think he’s chosen Newcastle ahead of us.’
The 30-year-old has not featured in the Premier League under Roberto Martinez this season and it is thought he will still leave Goodison Park before the end of the January transfer window, especially given the fact his contract expires this summer.
‘The interest is there, so I’m confident that I can find another club before January 31,’ added the Holland international.
‘I want to play every game again, because I still have a huge appetite for the game. I am fit and as a footballer in the prime of my life.’
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will be without centre-back and skipper Fabricio Coloccini for up to six weeks after he injured his knee during the New Year’s Day defeat at West Brom.
And with defender Steven Taylor reportedly unsettled at Gallowgate, a move for Heitinga could fit
Written by Steve Milne 🙂
