Everton pulls out of deal to sign Fer from Twente

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) Everton has pulled out of a deal to sign Netherlands midfielder Leroy Fer from FC Twente.

Everton chief executive Robert Elstone tells Sky Sports News that the "transfer didn't go through in the end (because) there were some issues."

Fer, who has played twice for the Netherlands and scored 10 goals in 29 matches for Twente this season, was due to be on Merseyside on Wednesday to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical. The deal was believed to be worth 8.6 million ($13.6 million).

Elstone says "we have to be careful how we spend our money."

Ahead of Wednesday's games, Everton was fifth in the Premier League - three points behind Tottenham, which occupies the fourth and final Champions League qualification place.

Updated January 30, 2013