Sunderland manager David Moyes has admitted he has been impressed by the efforts of Steven Pienaar in training. 

South African midfielder Pienaar, a former favourite of Moyes’ during his time as Everton manager, is on the lookout for a new club having been released by the Toffees following their disappointing 2015-16 season.

Now on trial with Moyes’ new club Sunderland, the ex-Bafana Bafana captain is doing his best to earn a new contract with the club.

‘Steven is still here – he has done very well,’ Moyes told The Shields Gazette. ‘We thought about maybe including him in the U23 game on Sunday but we will probably train him more and get him ready.

‘He is very good on the ball, doesn’t give possession away too often. He is a tidy player but we would probably rather wait another week or so to see where he is at,’ the Scotsman admitted.

Pienaar has allegedly attracted interest from clubs in China, the Netherlands, and also clubs back home, with the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates having expressed an interest in signing the 34-year-old veteran.

Pienaar made just six appearances for Everton last term.