PIENAAR REJECTS EVERTON'S FIRST OFFER

Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has confirmed he rejected the club's initial offer of a new contract.

Pienaar is still locked in talks with the Toffees and he admits that he does want to stay with the club - but is also keen to be playing Champions League football again.

"It is seldom that both parties come to an agreement at the first attempt," he is quoted by AFP as saying.

"Coming to such an important agreement takes time. We have only just started discussions and we will keep on talking until hopefully we get a deal that is right for both parties.

"The fact that it is taking time does not mean I am unhappy at Everton, but this next contract for me is obviously very important at this stage of my career.

"I would like to play Champions League football again and hopefully that will be with Everton."

Pienaar - who joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2007 - has two-years left on his current deal.