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Baines hopes for Pienaar stay

07 Jul 2010 - 09:09:34

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Everton defender Leighton Baines is desperate to do his best to try and persuade South Africa playmaker Steven Pienaar to remain with the Toffees next season.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs, both in England and elsewhere in Europe, but Baines hopes that his team-mate opts to stay put.

He told the Daily Echo: "We've been texting each other, I've got a decent relationship with Steven.

"It's awkward discussing his future with him, because you want to leave him to it. But then at the same time I'm like my mate who is a season ticket holder and asks me what is happening.

"I start saying to him 'what's happening? Hurry up and get it sorted'. I've tried to get into him a few times about it and he just laughs it off. I am desperate for him to stay.

"He is a dream to play with, not just for me, but for all of us. You saw how important he was last year to the way we play.

"I'm so desperate for him to stay and hopefully it will get done soon."