Everton defender Johnny Heitinga has explained turning down a move to West Ham United yesterday.
The news is a blow to Sam Allardyce, who is desperate for cover after losing all three of his central defenders - Winston Reid, James Collins and James Tomkins - through injury.
"At my age it's important to make the right decisions," he said in a statement. "Then it's not all about the money, as that wasn't a problem at West Ham. You have to be fully convinced that you will make the right step and I didn't have that.
"Therefore I have cancelled [the move to] West Ham and we will now wait for the interest of other clubs. The interest is there already, so I am confident I will find another club before January 31. That's the date the transfer window will close."
Heitinga has found his chances at Everton limited since Roberto Martinez took charge in the summer and is anxious to move as he hopes to win a place in Holland's World Cup squad. A report today suggested that Newcastle were lining up a move for him.
"I know that national coach Louis Van Gaal requires his selected players playing weekly," added Heitinga, who is out of contract in the summer. "At the moment, that's not the situation at Everton and therefore I am now looking for other options to get a successful continuation of my career."
