Everton defender John Heitinga has announced that he is likely to sign a new contract with the club if European football is brought to Goodison Park.

The 28 year-old has been at Everton since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2009, and says that he has been offered a new contract, and although nothing has been finalised he is happy on Merseyside.

The Dutchman was linked with a summer exit with Turkish club Fenerbache showing an interest for the defender who was  unhappy at not being a first team regular under boss David Moyes.

“I just had a new contract proposal. The deal is not done yet, but I really love it at Everton. Everton is a beautiful club with great fans, he told a waiting press at Holland’s training camp.

“I’m really looking forward to playing European football again. I was used to that at Ajax and Atletico in the Champions League. I want to reach the highest possible. I want to qualify for European football with Everton. With this squad we deserve that.

“The group is ready for it. There was not much changes in the group and we have grown. We have one of the smallest selections in the Premier League.”

Everton have started the season in form, and find themselves in fourth place. With  the likes of Nikica Jelavic, Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini,  fans are hopeful of a European finish despite knowing that they face stiff competition from league rivals.

Last season Everton finished 7^th and for the first time in 8 years finished above local neighbours Liverpool.