Spurs, Chelsea in Pienaar battle

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Steven Pienaar after agreeing a fee with Everton for the South Africa international.

Pienaar, 28, is already negotiating personal terms with Chelsea after the English Premier League title holders met Everton’s asking price, believed to be three million pounds.

The former Ajax and Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park after failing to sign an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

While reluctant to sell, Everton have been forced to arrange a transfer to prevent losing Pienaar for nothing when his contract expires.

Pienaar joined Everton on-loan from Dortmund in 2007, before Everton agreed a permanent deal with the Bundesliga club worth approximately two million pounds in 2008.

He was voted the club’s player of the season in 2009/10.

“Everton can confirm they have agreed terms with Tottenham over the possible transfer of Steven Pienaar,” the club said in a statement on Monday.

“Confirmation of the agreement with the north London club comes just days after a bid for the South African international was accepted from Chelsea.”

“Pienaar, who is out of contract with Everton in the summer, has been given permission to discuss his personal terms over a possible move away from Goodison Park.”

“His current contract expires in the summer and a new deal from Everton has been on the table since early in 2010.”