• Premier League

Ancelotti denies making bid for Pienaar

ESPN staff
January 14, 2011
Steven Pienaar is expected to sign for a major European club © PA Photos
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Carlo Ancelotti has denied reports that he made an approach for Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, after David Moyes confirmed the club have accepted a bid for the player.

Several stories in the English press on Friday claimed Chelsea had been rejected by Pienaar after holding talks with the 28-year-old, but it is now expected the South Africa international will move to a "top European club" in the next 48 hours.

Ancelotti admits he is an admirer of the diminutive attacker, but he rejects suggestions that he attempted to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

"I read a lot of names in the papers, not just Pienaar but others, there's a lot of speculation. Some agents use our name to earn more money," said the Italian.

"I can just say Pienaar is a good player, but that doesn't mean we want Pienaar to play here."

Asked directly if Chelsea made a bid, Ancelotti replied: "No I don't think so."

David Moyes confirmed on Friday that Pienaar, who made over 100 league appearances for the club, had been the subject of two transfer bids, one of which met with approval from the Goodison Park hierarchy.

"We have had two offers - one of which has been accepted - and we have given permission for his representatives to speak to the club involved," Moyes told the club's official website.

However, Moyes has confirmed that Pienaar remains in his plans for the Merseyside derby.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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