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South African midfielder Steven Pienaar looked set to return to his homeland following the end of his contract with Everton, but that no longer seems to be the case.

Schillo is training with English Premier League club Sunderland in hopes of securing a contract at the Stadium of Light.

Pienaar’s former manager David Moyes is now in charge at Sunderland, and could be keen to make the South African his first signing at the club.

Moyes and Pienaar enjoyed an excellent relationship at Everton between 2007 and 2011, and with the 34-year-old training with the squad at the moment; Moyes may see the value of adding his experience to the team with a one-year contract.

Until recently Pienaar seemed destined for a return to the South African top flight, with Premier Soccer League clubs clamouring for his signature.

The current PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns seemed particularly interested in the former Bafana captain, with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates also considering a move for the veteran midfielder, but it seems that Pienaar’s first choice would be to remain in the EPL.

Chinese Super League teams also made their interest known, but a Sunderland contract seems the most likely development for the former Ajax Amsterdam and Borussia Dortmund player.