Spurs’ Pienaar bid accepted

TOTTENHAM have joined Chelsea in having a bid accepted by Everton for midfielder Steven Pienaar.

The South Africa international’s future at Goodison Park has looked uncertain for some time, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

David Moyes revealed after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Liverpool that the Toffees had agreed a fee with Chelsea, believed to be in the region of £3 million (€3.5m).

Moyes also revealed that a lower offer from Tottenham had been rejected and Spurs manager Harry Redknapp responded by saying his side would probably not return with an improved bid.

However, it appears they have now matched Chelsea’s valuation and will be hopeful of winning the chase for his signature as Pienaar has yet to agree personal terms with The Blues.

Pienaar arrived at Everton in 2007 on an initial loan deal from Borussia Dortmund before making the move permanent the following year.

He has established himself as a key figure in Moyes’ side but negotiations over a new deal proved unsuccessful and he now looks set to embark on a new adventure in London.

Everton defender Sylvain Distin is saddened by Pienaar’s seeminglyimminent departure and frustrated by constant speculation linking others with the Goodison Park exit.

Distin said: “It’s disappointing to lose Steven. You don’t want to lose one of your best players but that’s football.

“Everywhere I’ve been it’s been the same, there’s not much we can do — just stay focused and carry on doing what we’re doing.

“I don’t think it’s a done deal yet, but it’s disappointing.”

On Everton’s inability to attract new players, Distin added: “It’s not a good feeling when you hope for reinforcements and instead it’s just talk about your best players going.’’