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Pienaar to stick with Everton

Johannesburg - Steven Pienaar is confident the future is bright for Everton - and claims he wants to be part of it.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder has been the subject of speculation linking him with other clubs after an outstanding season at Goodison Park.

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea are all reported to be monitoring the 28-year-old's situation as he enters the final year of his contract.

Everton are keen to tie the player to a new deal but negotiations have yet to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

Pienaar has been one of the Toffees' most influential players throughout their strong showing in the second half of the Premier League campaign.

His efforts in 2009/10 earned him the club's player of the year award on Tuesday night and when asked about the future, he said: "Hopefully we can kick on from here to next season and the coming years.

"We have got the potential. The people behind the club really want it to happen and so do the players."

When asked if he wanted to stay to be part of any future success, he added: "For sure, why not?"

Pienaar, who joined Everton from Borussia Dortmund for £2m three years ago, has scored seven goals in 37 appearances in all competitions this season.

He missed last week's goalless draw at Stoke with a minor ankle injury but expects to be fit for the final game of the season against Portsmouth on Sunday.

Everton know they will finish eighth in the Premier League - and therefore short of European qualification - but are satisfied with that position after a terrible start.

Everton were 16th with just 15 points after 14 games but have lost just twice in 23 outings since in a powerful statement.

Despite his excellence, Pienaar was keen to deflect praise away from himself.

"The whole team has been responsible for our play," he said.

"We have been giving 120% to show the supporters why they have been spending so much money to watch us. They deserve nice football."

Pienaar will soon turn his attention to the World Cup in his homeland. He expects it to be a special event.

He said: "Hopefully it is going to be the best World Cup ever - and it is being hosted in South Africa." 
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