Pienaar rejects Toffee deal

South Africa international and Everton FC midfielder Steven Pienaar has reportedly rejected a new contract from the Merseyside club.

The South African, who has had an impressive spell at Goodison Park since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2007, was a priority as manager David Moyes was keen to tie him with the Toffees on a long term deal.

However, clubs in Italy and Spain will now be monitoring the situation, with Madrid based Atletico Madrid said to be particularly interested.

Pienaar starred for his country in their Confederations Cup campaign this summer and is currently on a pre-season tour of Canada with his club.

Everton lost 1-0 to River Plate on Sunday with veteran playmaker Ariel Ortega scoring the game’s only goal.

Moyes will be hoping to secure Pienaar’s future before the Premier League season gets underway.

Everton face Arsenal in their opening game of the campaign on Saturday 15 August.