Everton's hopes of signing Atletico Madrid defender Johnny Heitinga have been lifted after talks last night.

The Mirror says the transfer had stalled over Heitinga's demands for almost £80,000-a-week, which would have made him the best-paid player in Everton's history.

But a deal was struck on Monday night after a day of intense negotiations between Everton officials and Heitinga's representatives.

Heitinga, 25, is due to jet in to Merseyside on Tuesday to have his medical and complete his move.

David Moyes is delighted with the breakthrough in talks and is confident the deal can be wrapped up before the 5pm deadline.