• Premier League

Redknapp doubts Spurs will match Chelsea's Pienaar bid

ESPN staff
January 17, 2011
Steven Pienaar is believed to prefer a move to Tottenham over a more lucrative switch to champions Chelsea
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Harry Redknapp has confirmed he will not up his offer for Steven Pienaar, leaving Chelsea to negotiate with the player without fear of Tottenham hijacking the deal.

Everton boss David Moyes revealed on Sunday that the Toffees had accepted an offer from Carlo Ancelotti's men, thought to be around £3 million. Moyes went on to explain that he had rejected a lower bid from Tottenham.

Pienaar is in the final year of his contract at Goodison Park but is yet to agree a move to Chelsea, with Spurs believed to be his preferred destination. However, Redknapp insists he will not ask his chairman for more money.

''If they've accepted an offer from Chelsea, £3 million, I don't know if we would be prepared to match that offer, I doubt it very much,'' Redknapp said. ''I'd think if Chelsea are coming in the wages they would pay would be far in excess of what we would pay.''

Pienaar did not play in Everton's 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, but Moyes insists the South Africa international has not necessarily played his last game for the club.

"Steven came to see me yesterday and said he didn't feel he was in the right place to play,'' Moyes said. "I had a decision to make and I felt it would be better not to use him if that was the case.

"He will be in training tomorrow because at the moment we don't have a deal. If Tottenham offer the same money that may change or maybe he will agree terms with Chelsea.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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