Everton-In-demand midfielder Steven Pienaar.

The South Africa star's future at Goodison Park has looked uncertain for some time, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

David Moyes revealed after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Liverpool that the Toffees had agreed a fee with Chelsea, believed to be in the region of £3million.

Moyes also revealed that a lower offer from Tottenham had been rejected and Spurs manager Harry Redknapp responded by saying his side would probably not return with an improved bid.

However, it appears they have now matched Chelsea's valuation and will be hopeful of winning the chase for his signature as Pienaar has yet to agree personal terms with the Blues.

Pienaar arrived at Everton in 2007 on an initial loan deal from Borussia Dortmund before making a £2million permanent move the following year.

He has established himself as a key figure in Moyes' side but negotiations over a new deal proved unsuccessful and he now looks set to embark on a new adventure in London, while Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the midfielder.

Darren Bent,£18m bid for the forward from Aston Villa.

Darren Bent, the Sunderland and England striker, has handed in a transfer request at the Stadium of Light, as his club accepts an £18m bid for the forward from Aston Villa.

Bent, 26, has scored 36 goals in 62 games for the Wearside club and has become a hero with Sunderland supporters after his £10m move from Tottenham Hotspur 18 months ago.

However, Gerard Houllier and Aston Villa put forward the £18m bid, which could rise to £24m, to Sunderland boss Steve Bruce and Chairman Niall Quinn on Sunday evening.

And in what can only be described as a gamble, with Frazier Campbell injured, Danny Welbeck only on-loan from Manchester United, and £13m Asamoah Gyan still adapting to the Premier League, the Sunderland duo accepted the offer.

The deal, if it goes through, would constitute a club record transfer for the Midlands club, who are amongst the lowest scorers in the Premier League.

Villa have won only 15 points from a possible 51 under Houllier, who has struggled to endear himself to the Villa Park faithful, but the signing of Bent would go someway to appeasing the clubs supporters.