Pienaar hopeful of Everton contract resolution

South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar expects to sign a new contract with Everton despite rejecting the Premier League’s initial offer.

Pienaar is a transfer target for Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina and reports that he had snubed Everton’s contract led to suggestions he would quit Goodison Park.

But the 27-year-old is adamant he is still happy at Everton and revealed that the negotiations remain on-going to extend his current deal, which expires in 2011.

“It is seldom that both parties come to an agreement at the first attempt,” Pienaar said.

“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’s Nigeria striker Ayegbeni Yakubu is back in training as he returns to fitness from an Achilles injury which has sidelined him since November.

Yakubu has stepped up his rehabilitation during the club’s tour of America and was involved in a practice match ahead of this week’s game against a Major League Soccer All-Stars side in Salt Lake City.