New Everton signing Johnny Heitinga admits Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt convinced him about the move from Atletico Madrid.

Heitinga said: "I did ask Dirk about Everton, and he said it was one of the big clubs in England. We will be playing against each other soon when the derby comes around, so I just want to make sure we win."

He added: "In my eyes the Premier League is better than in Spain, the whole atmosphere is different. Goodison is an old stadium, but you can smell the football atmosphere there.

"I prefer to play in central defence or central midfield. But I can play on the right side.

"I have done both. One trainer (at Atletico Madrid) played me in the centre and then he was kicked out and the new man played me on the right. I can cope with that."