Mamelodi Sundowns Close In On Everton"s Star Man

Everton favourite Steven Pienaar is nearing a deal with Mamelodi Sundowns in his home nation of South Africa, according to a report.

Pienaar is looking for a new club after being released by the Merseysiders last month even though he remains a hugely popular player at the club with the fans.

African football magazine Kick Off claim sponsors Puma might add more cash to their impending Sundowns deal to help secure the signing of poster boy Pienaar.

Puma have been long-time supporters of Pienaar and they also began sponsoring the South Africa national team after their successful hosting of the 2010 World Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns play in the Premier Soccer League, the top South African league, and since the leagues inception in 1996 have won the league a record seven times.

Former national captain Pienaar joined Everton in 2008 from Borussia Dortmund after a year on loan in Merseyside, and cost the Toffees just shy of £2.5million.

Between then and 2016 he spent just one unsuccessful year away from Goodison Park, when he was bought by Tottenham for £3million before being sold back in 2012.

Across all competitions the left-winger has played 229 times for the Toffees, scoring 26 times alongside an impressive 48 assists.

For his national team he has played 62 times, which has included appearances at a World Cup, two African Cup of Nations and a Confederations Cup.

In other Everton news, a Turkish club are lining up a lucrative deal to rival Everton’s hunt for a Euro 2016 star.

Mamelodi Sundowns Close In On Everton"s Star Man

Shocking: Everton Star Man Rejects Barcelona Offer

Everton defender John Stones has reportedly rejected an offer from Barcelona.

Everton, John Stones in action against Chelsea

Stones is currently preparing for his first senior tournament, with England set to kick-off their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia on Saturday.

Speculation surrounding the future of the 22-year-old has continued to run rife, however, with a host of high-profile clubs interested in his signature.

Last summer, Chelsea were embroiled in a surprisingly public transfer saga over Stones, with former Toffees boss Roberto Martinez stating that two bids had been turned down.

Now, Manchester City and Barcelona are keen on the centre-back, according to the Daily Mail.

Stones endured a difficult 2015/16 on Merseyside in an underperforming Everton team, with Martinez failing to produce consistent results despite boasting an array of young talent.

The No.5 did impress in possession – showing a staple of Barcelona’s style of play – by completing a squad-high 89% of his passes in the Premier League.

However, Stones made a concerning total of four defensive errors over the league season, three of which led directly to goals.

Shocking: Everton Star Man Rejects Barcelona Offer