David Moyes is hopeful of finalising a deal to bring Steven Pienaar back to Everton on a permanent basis from Tottenham.
Moyes optimistic about deal; happy with Naismith debut
David Moyes is hopeful of finalising a deal to bring Steven Pienaar back to Everton on a permanent basis from Tottenham.
The South African spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park after failing to hold down a regular spot in the Spurs starting line-up.
He had previously spent three and a half seasons with the Toffees earlier in his career and talks between the two clubs are understood to have been ongoing this week.
After a 1-1 draw with Motherwell in Stevie Hammell's testimonial at Fir Park, where Well midfielder Nicky Law levelled a first-half header from Shane Duffy, Everton boss Moyes said: "I think we are much closer to Pienaar and hopefully in time I will have something, but I don't quite have it yet."
Moyes was pleased to see former Rangers man Steven Naismith come on in the second half to make his debut.
Naismith received provisional international clearance on Friday night from FIFA which allowed him to play while arbitration over his move from Rangers continues.
Moyes, however, was more concerned with the Scotland forward's knee injury.
Coming on well
He said "It was pleasing to see Steven come on. I heard last night about six o'clock that he was cleared.
"We just have to make sure that his knee is right. He is coming on well.
"He is a month behind everyone else but hopefully he won't be too far away."
On the game, Moyes said: "I thought Motherwell did well. We are a bit behind and it showed at times but it was okay.
"I'm not madly excited about it but I'm not madly disappointed by it."
