Everton have this morning confirmed that winger Andy van der Meyde was taken to hospital after claiming his drink was spiked with drugs.

The Dutch international was taken ill at his home in Wirral, Merseyside, in the early hours.

His partner called police and reported that the 26-year-old's drink had been "spiked".

It is thought he had been enjoying a night out in Liverpool's fashionable Albert Dock area.

He was taken by ambulance to Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral suffering from breathing problems.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said an investigation was under way into the alleged drink-spiking.

She said: "Police were called at 2.40am today by a woman saying her partner had had his drink spiked. He was taken to Arrowe Park hospital.

"Inquiries have been made at bars in Liverpool city centre and CCTV footage is being examined."

A statement released by the Goodison club this morning read: "We can confirm that Andy van der Meyde spent the night in Arrowe Park Hospital after being admitted in the early hours of this morning suffering from illness.

"His progress is currently being monitored by hospital staff and the club will be making no further comment on the incident until after Merseyside Police have completed their ongoing investigation into the circumstances leading up to Andy's admission into hospital."

Van der Meyde joined Everton on transfer deadline day last year from Inter Milan.

He began his career with his hometown club of Vitesse Arnhem and joined Ajax in 1997 at the age of 17.