Free Liverpool and Spurs target leaves transfer door wide open

Liverpool and Spurs could be set for a negotiation war for South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.

The Everton ace continues to stall over a new deal at Goodison Park, and with Pienaar's contract set to expire in the summer some top clubs have begun to monitor the situation. Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich are just a trio thought to be interested.

All three have been linked in recent months, and a move to Liverpool would undoubtedly be seen as the 'biggest' due to the nature of the rivalry between the Toffees and the Reds.

This has not stopped others making the move to Anfield in the past, though, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgon could look to capitalise on their neighbours' in-ability to tie down the player.

SkySports asked Pienaar about his future yesteray, and the player replied: "No comment.

"I am still focused on staying at Everton, this season is not over yet, so anything can happen. In football anything can happen, it can change tomorrow, today, no-one knows."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is thought to have a long-standing interest in the player dating back to his time at Ajax, and senses an opportunity to bring the player to White Hart Lane as the club compete on several fronts, including the Champions League.

"I was also told this by one of my team-mates, so I don't know what is going on," said Pienaar in response to the talk of interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

A discount offer could be made in January, but the Bafana-Bafana star appears set to stay at his current club until the summer before deciding on his best option.

This could lead to a battle similar to the one that ensued for the signature of Joe Cole. Both Liverpool and Spurs were desperate to land the England international, but the Reds' won the day after negotiations.

Liverpool will hope to do the same again if the opportunity arises, but know they will face stiff competition if they are to beat Tottenham to the former Borrusia Dortmund ace's signature.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.