Liverpool are ready to risk the wrath of neighbours Everton with
a move for influential midfielder Steven Pienaar.
The skilful South African has emerged as one of the best players
in the Premier League but his contract runs out in 14 months and
Everton are yet to tie him down to a new deal.
Key figure: Steven Pienaar has emerged as one of
the best players in the Premier League
Sportsmail revealed in January that Tottenham and Chelsea were
interested in the 28-year-old, valued at about £10million.
Now Liverpool have emerged as strong admirers, despite Everton's
reluctance to sell to their fiercest rivals. The Anfield club have
been encouraged by news of the unresolved contract talks, although
Everton are preparing a new offer that would put Pienaar on a par
with their top earners at about £50,000 per week.
Pienaar's agent Ivan Modia said: 'At the moment we are looking
at every situation and it will be sorted one way or another before
the World Cup.
'We have had some interest expressed from clubs in Europe but we
haven't talked to them because everything must go through Everton
because he is under contract.
Interesting: Steven Pienaar has also caught the eye
of Tottenham and Chelsea
'It is possible (Pienaar could leave) but it is also possible he
will stay at the club. I am not saying he is leaving the club
because that is not true.
'We are in talks but I think it would be disrespectful to
Everton [to elaborate] because we have a good relationship with the
club. Negotiations have been ongoing since the start of the year
but it has not been an intense process.
'We are talking and are patient. We are waiting to see what is
going to happen behind closed doors. What I think is there are two
different options. One is to get a new contract but if he did not
he would be looking for a solution. He goes to the World Cup this
summer and that would be a good way for Everton to make money from
it.'
Everton manager David Moyes warned: 'Pienaar is at a club that
really suits him and sometimes a player has to decide what is best
for him. Everton has been good for Steven. If anybody wanted to
leave, they'd be poorer for it.'