Everton manager David Moyes admits he is keen to sign Steven Pienaar permanently.
The South African midfielder left Goodison Park last summer to join Tottenham before returning to Merseyside for a six-month loan spell in January after failing to gain regular game time under Harry Redknapp.
Pienaar revelled for the Toffees upon his return and now Moyes is hoping to bring the Spurs man back to Everton despite the fact the North London club have appointed Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager.
"We're keen and I hope in time that we will be able to conclude that deal," he told reporters.
"I don't know if it has or not," he said about whether Villas-Boas coming in may have stalled a move for Pienaar.
"I don't like talking about players at other clubs but I think the fact of the matter is that Steven has made it clear he wants to come back to Everton.
"By my understanding that hasn't changed. My next job hopefully in the coming weeks is to get Steven Pienaar here as well."
