Transfer news: John Heitinga leaves Everton to join Fulham

Dutch defender signs deal until the end of the season

John Heitinga has joined Fulham (GETTY IMAGES)

Fulham have confirmed the signing of the Dutch defender John Heitinga from Everton, initially until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old moved to Everton in 2009 from Atletico Madrid, but has been unable to break into the Toffees' side this season. He joins Lewis Holtby as a new addition at Craven Cottage. Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos left the club earlier on deadline day.

Transfer deadline day January 2014 - LIVE

Heitinga told Fulham's official website: “I’m really pleased to get the move completed and I’m looking forward to playing my first game. I think it’s a good move for myself and I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates. I’ve spoken already with Rene Meulensteen and I think it’s the right club for me.

“This is a club with a great history and I always enjoyed playing at Craven Cottage, I really like it as a stadium. It’s not one of the biggest but it’s got something special.

“Of course I know [Dutch team-mate] Maarten Stekelenburg very well – we were players at Ajax together and we played many years in the national team together.

“I chose Fulham because the feeling was good and what was also important was the conversation between me and Rene. He knows exactly what he wants and I know exactly what I want. The main thing is to keep Fulham in the league and hopefully the boys will start with a win against Southampton.”