Steven Pienaar is set to remain at Everton this season, according to assistant manager Steve Round.
Assistant boss says South African winger will stay
Everton winger Steven Pienaar is set to remain at Goodison Park this season, according to assistant manager Steve Round.
The South Africa international, whose Toffees contract expires next summer, has been linked with a swap deal with Tottenham forward Peter Crouch.
However, Round has firmly rejected the rumours, insisting manager David Moyes will keep the 28-year-old on Merseyside this term.
When asked if there was any truth in the speculation, Rounds replied: "No, none at all. There has been no contact.
"The manager (David Moyes) has said all along he wants Steven to stay.
"He has signed with us, he is under contract and as far as we are concerned he will be an Everton player this season.
"There is no truth in the speculation. Steven has been a terrific player for us and is a terrific asset. We value him very highly."
Pienaar said last week he has
no intention of leaving Everton and would be happy to sign a new deal if the opportunity were to arise.
The wing man, who arrived at the club from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund two years ago, has made 54 league appearances for the Toffees, scoring four goals.
