Deadline Day Transfer News
Steven Pienaar has returned to Everton on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season in a late transfer deadline day deal.
The South African arrived at Spurs from Goodison Park
last January but has failed to win a regular place in Harry Redknapp’s first-team.
Pienaar has made just two Premier League appearances for the North Londoners this season, both of which came off the bench.
The Toffees confirmed the deal on Tuesday night, shortly after striker Louis Saha moved in the opposite direction on a permanent deal.
Pienaar revealed on his official Twitter account Everton only just managed to push the deal through before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday.
Pienaar previously spent three-and-a-half seasons at Everton after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2007. After a successful season on loan, the Toffees signed Pienaar on a three-year deal in 2008.
He racked up over 100 appearances during his first stint on Merseyside, establishing himself as a fans’ favourite.
The signing caps a busy transfer window for David Moyes, who also captured Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic on deadline day.
Manchester City Loan Deal
Manchester City have confirmed the surprise loan signing of Roma’s David Pizarro until the end of the season.
It was revealed earlier on transfer deadline day that the midfielder had flown to England to hold talks with the Premier League club and after successful discussions at the Etihad Stadium, the move has been completed as Roberto Mancini succeeds in adding to his squad options.
Title-chasing City on deadline day lost their 3 points lead at the top of the Premier League table after suffering defeat at Everton and Mancini thinks Chilean Pizarro will prove a good acquisition in the fight to stay ahead of Manchester United after the two men won Serie A together at former club Inter Milan.
City’s boss told Sky Sports after the loss at the Goodison Park: “I know him very well. He is a good player, a good midfielder.
“He plays football very well. I think he can help us to play better in some situations.”
Sunderland Sign Bridge
Sunderland have finalised the signing of full-back Wayne Bridge from Manchester City on a loan deal for the rest of the season.
Bridge decided to sign for the Stadium of Light’s team after also attracting interest from Championship side Reading.
He has now sealed his switch to the North East and Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill is delighted to have snapped up the left-back.
“I’m hoping that with Wayne’s undoubted experience and ability he can be a big help to the team until the end of the season,” O’Neill told the club’s official website.
“I’m very pleased to have him here and with the number of injuries we’ve sustained recently I’m sure he’ll be a great help to us.”
Bridge had made just one appearance for City this season in the Carling Cup after spending the second half of last term on loan at West Ham United.
The 31-year-old, who joined City from Chelsea three years ago, had not made a Premier League appearance for the club since December 2010.
Last summer’s arrival of Gael Clichy further reduced his opportunities at the Etihad Stadium and manager Roberto Mancini had been keen for Bridge to find a new club before the transfer window closed.
