Glorea Bentil, AfricaNews reporter in Accra, Ghana
South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar is the most wanted southern African player in the English Premier League this transfer season. Title holders Chelsea are in contention with Tottenham Hotspurs for the signature of the player as the transfer window gradually draws to a quick close in about a fortnight.
Everton have accepted an offer from the Blues for the 28-year-old South African ahead of Tottenham, manager David Moyes said in a BBC report.
Pienaar was left out of the squad for Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool with Moyes saying the player's "head wasn't right to play". Pienaar is out of contract at the end of the season and Chelsea are believed to have offered £3m.
The former Ajax star joined Everton from Borussia Dortmund for £2m in 2007.
"Steven has not agreed terms with Chelsea," said Moyes. "We've given his representatives a chance to talk to Chelsea but they've not got permission to talk to Tottenham because they've not offered the same money.
"If Tottenham offer the same money that may change or maybe he will agree terms with Chelsea."
However speaking after the 2-2 draw with Manchester United, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp suggested the White Hart Lane club would be unlikely to match Chelsea's valuation of the South African.
Pienaar was voted the club's player of the season last term but his form this season has not been at the same level and Moyes had earlier revealed that the player rejected a new contract some time ago.
Everton will be keen to recoup a fee for the player rather than watch him leave for free at the end of the season.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to be drawn on a possible bid for Pienaar in his press conference following Saturday's 2-0 victory over Blackburn.
But the Blues are looking to bolster their squad after a dismal run of two wins in 10 games left them off the pace in the title race.
When asked ahead of the Liverpool game if Pienaar had decided he wanted to move on, Moyes said that was probably the case.
"I think the player probably decided that when he turned down his contract six months or a year ago, whenever it was," said the Everton boss.
"But he has done very well for us on the pitch, so we have no complaints."
South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar is the most wanted southern African player in the English Premier League this transfer season. Title holders Chelsea are in contention with Tottenham Hotspurs for the signature of the player as the transfer window gradually draws to a quick close in about a fortnight.
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