Sylvain Distin: 'Steven Pienaar is Everton's priority'

Sylvain Distin has revealed that Steven Pienaar is Everton's number one transfer target this summer.

The South African midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan with the Toffees from Tottenham Hotspur, whom he joined from Everton in January 2011.

Having witnessed the impact that the 30-year-old had on the team during the last campaign, French defender Distin is keen for Pienaar to sign on permanently at Goodison Park.

"If we can add Steven and maybe one other player, that would be great," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"Steven is the priority. When he came back last season, he changed the way we played. It was good to see him coming back. We have got everything crossed that he will be back soon.

"We have to be honest and say that we don't have the financial power of some of the other teams. But we will still keep competing."

Pienaar scored four goals for Everton during 14 appearances last year.