EVERTON are furious at suggestions from Steven Pienaar’s agent they are dragging their heels over contract talks with the South African midfielder.

Ivan Modia has claimed negotiations with his client are not a priority with club having recently sealed long-term deals for Tim Cahill and Jack Rodwell.

That has upset Everton, who opened discussions more than a year ago with Pienaar over an extension to a contract that expires at the end of next season and have made no secret of their desire to keep the player.

Those talks have been ongoing in search of an agreement, although Pienaar stated two weeks ago that he will put further negotiations on hold until after the forthcoming World Cup.

Everton were therefore left deeply unimpressed at Modia’s assertion an improved offer must be on the table before the tournament starts on June 11.

Modia said: “My guess is that if, by the first match of the 2010 World Cup, we have been unable to take Steven an improved offer, then he will assume that Everton’s position is final.

“The club are very busy concluding other players on long-term deals, most of whom have longer to run on their contract than Pienaar.

“That could mean one of three things: Either they wish to conclude other business before making a final offer, or it could mean that they have decided to sell him, or that they are satisfied that Pienaar walks away in 12 months as a free agent.”

Modia also said: “We recently had a couple of meetings with Everton, we got to agreements on some aspects of the contract but we are still far on some other aspects about the valuation of the player.

“At the moment it is up to them but it is very unlikely we can find a solution before the World Cup. He is very loyal to the club and it is up to what Everton want to do. To be honest he is really looking forward and hopes they can agree before the World Cup. If nothing happens before the World Cup with Everton we may have to consider other options. I am aware of the interest of some big clubs.”