Roma favourites to sign Johnny Heitinga

Roma are the new favourites to sign Everton defender Johnny Heitinga.

The 30-year-old, who has made just four first-team appearances for the Toffees this season, will leave Goodison Park this month in a bid to strengthen his chances of being selected in the Netherlands' World Cup squad.

After Heitinga had rejected a move to West Ham United, it was believed that Fulham were in pole position to land the player.

However, bookmakers SkyBet have now made Serie A giants Roma the new even-money favourites to land Heitinga before February 1, with Fulham drifting out to 11/8.

Roma's need for a new centre-back has been increased by the news that Nicolas Burdisso has handed in a transfer request.