Liverpool transfers: Former Everton defender Heitinga in talks with Reds

Liverpool are in talks with former Everton and Netherlands defender John Heitinga over taking up a coaching role alongside compatriot Arne Slot. 

The talks were confirmed to the Dutch media by Heitinga, who left his post in West Ham’s backroom at the end of last season. 

Heitinga, 40, was part of David Moyes’ West Ham coaching team but departed East London alongside the Scot following the expiry of his contract. 

The ex-centre back has been building a solid career as a coach since hanging up his boots, experiencing roles at Ajax, where he worked alongside Marcel Keizer. 

Keizer previously worked with current Liverpool head coach Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff at Cambuur and so Heitinga’s work will be well known to the newly-appointed Anfield staff. 

"The only thing I can say now is that I have been approached and that my agent Rob Jansen and I are in talks,” Heitinga told De Telegraaf. 

Heitinga's playing career

Heitinga spent five seasons as a player with Everton, winning the Toffees’ player of the year award in 2011/12. 

He signed from Atletico Madrid in 2009, establishing himself as first-choice under Moyes at Goodison Park. 

He also took part in the 2010 World Cup, reaching the final against Spain, and was sent off in extra time. 

Heitinga won 87 caps for his country, and retired from professional football in 2016. 

Liverpool’s backroom team is taking shape with Slot bringing Hulshoff and Ruben Peeters over from Feyenoord. 

A new goalkeeping coach has also been confirmed with Fabian Otte coming in from the United States men’s national team. 

Slot, 45, had his first look at members of Liverpool’s squad on Friday when they returned for pre-season training. 

He will be putting the team through their paces before the pre-season matches commence on July 26 on the first leg of their US tour against Real Betis in Pittsburgh.