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Everton hope to secure long-term Pienaar deal soon

14/04/2008

Everton hope to secure a long-term deal with South African Steven Pienaar by the end of the week.

The midfielder is currently on loan from German side Borussia Dortmund but both the player and the Toffees are keen to reach an agreement.

A fee was agreed between the two clubs during original negotiations over the loan move but Pienaar says it is due to expire at the end of the month.

However, the Toffees are confident that Pienaar will remain at the club and that there are only minor details which need to be resolved.

A club spokesman said: "The deal has been in place for some time and the final points are now being worked on. It should be sorted out before the end of the week."

Pienaar revealed that he had options to join other teams but insisted he wanted to stay with Everton having enjoyed his first season with the club.

He said: "I have enjoyed my time here. But the clock is ticking for me because I have a maximum transfer fee of £2.2m in my contract with Dortmund that is only valid until 30 April.

"I cannot allow this deadline to expire because this is a transfer fee that is affordable to a number of clubs, particularly in the Premier League."

Pienaar has made 24 appearances for Everton this season and has chipped-in with two goals.