THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LIVERPOOL, England -- Netherlands defender Johnny Heitinga is close to joining Everton after a fee was agreed with Atletico Madrid.
The Premier League club has offered five million pounds (C$8.9 million) for the 25-year-old Heitinga, but personal terms are yet to be agreed.
Everton manager David Moyes said Sunday: "I hope we will be able to do that soon."
The deal must be concluded before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Sylvain Distin and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov made their Everton debuts Sunday in a 2-1 victory over Wigan, giving the Toffees their first points of the season.
