South African international Steven Pienaar has moved to allay fears that he is set to leave Everton — despite admitting initial contract talks had failed to reach an agreement.

Alarms were raised when it emerged that Pienaar rejected the initial offer from the Goodison board, with both Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina reportedly ready to pounce on the Bafana Bafana star.

But the midfielder has reiterated he is happy with life at Everton and is hopeful a deal can be finalised in the coming weeks.

"It is seldom that both parties come to an agreement at the first attempt," Pienaar told the Liverpool Daily Post.

He added: "Coming to such an important agreement takes time. We have only just started discussions and we will keep on talking until hopefully we get a deal that is right for both parties.

"The fact that it is taking time does not mean I am unhappy at Everton, but this next contract for me is obviously very important at this stage of my career. I would like to play Champions League football again and hopefully that will be with Everton."

Meanwhile, Everton remain confident a deal can be finalised between them and the 27-year-old play maker.

"Everyone is still talking, and we are confident there will be a happy outcome," commented a club source.


RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook