Dortmund to win Pienaar race

Ajax's Steven Pienaar is to join German outfit Borussia Dortmund.

The South African midfielder is out of contract in the summer and has turned down the offer of a new contract.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus, Celtic, Real Betis and Werder Bremen had all been keen - but Dortmund look to have won the race.

Dortmund will now try to broker a deal with Ajax for Pienaar to move in January, but should a move not materialise - then he will sign a pre-contract and move in the summer.

The German club are currently locked in talks with Atletico over the departure of Tomas Rosicky and his move could finance Pienaar's deal.

Dortmund's Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk is keen to raid his homeland for talent and has already secured the signature of Matthew Amoah from Vitesse Arnhem.

Now Pienaar is also joining and his Ajax team-mate Nigel de Jong could follow suit.

De Jong is also out of contract and Dortmund are looking to beat a host of clubs to the Dutch international's signature.