Source: Daily_Mail
Everton's Steven Pienaar edges towards Spurs switch in January
On his way: Steven Pienaar (right) looks set to leave Everton after rejecting improved contract terms[LNB]Harry Redknapp is convinced Steven Pienaar will be a Tottenham player next season after being assured the Everton midfielder has made up his mind on a move to White Hart Lane. [LNB]Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have all been on the trail of Pienaar since it became apparent he would not be accepting Everton's offer of a new contract, worth around £60,000 a week. [LNB]But Tottenham believe they have won the race and that he will join them for a nominal fee in the January transfer window or for nothing when his contract runs out at the end of the season. [LNB]Sportsmail revealed last May how Tottenham had been among the first to react to news that the 28-year old South Africa playmaker had rejected improved terms from Everton, because 'we have differing valuations.' [LNB]A variety of player-plus-cash proposals in August failed to prise him away, but Tottenham are at last on the brink of securing his services, following a clear signal that months of uncertainty are drawing to a close. [LNB]Snapped up from Borussia Dortmund for £2million two-and-half years ago, Pienaar looks bound for White Hart Lane, with a Bosman free transfer in the summer appearing the likeliest scenario. [LNB]Everton manager David Moyes has been widely credited with turning Pienaar into one of the Barclays Premier League's most creative talents after rescuing him from a torrid time at Dortmund. [LNB] Big impression: Pienaar has excelled since signing from Borussia Dortmund[LNB]He might have expected more loyalty in return, but there was no trace of bitterness a fortnight ago, as he adopted a philosophical stance on the battle to win over his influential midfielder.[LNB] 'I would love Steven Pienaar to stay, but I am already resigned to losing him at the end of the season,' he said. 'If there is the slightest doubt in his mind about the future, I would hope he might still accept our offer, because the grass isn't always greener. Mind you, I have already tried that line, and it hasn't worked so far.[LNB] 'But he has promised he will give his all in every game, and he also knows that any player in his last season needs to play out of his skin, if he wants to impress any suitors and land the sort of wages he may be looking for. He has been doing some good things out in the middle, so if this is to be his last season here, it should at least be a good one.' [LNB]With Tottenham evidently willing to meet Pienaar's pay demands, particularly in the absence of any transfer fee, Moyes' worst fears are about to be confirmed. [LNB]Meanwhile, Everton and Wigan have been linked with 24-year-old Levante midfielder Xavier Torres.[LNB] Van der Vaart set for shock comeback as star reveals he'll be fit for Blackpool Blackburn, Tottenham and Liverpool keep tabs on Russia ace PogrebnyakForeign threat to Redknapp's ambition of becoming the next England bossEXCLUSIVE: Kop shop! Liverpool line up £10m deal for teenage ace Wickham[LNB] Explore more:People: David Moyes, Harry Redknapp Places: Liverpool, South Africa
