Steven Pienaar is training with Sunderland in the hope of earning a contract with David Moyes.

The South African was released by Everton at the end of the last season and is keen to prove his fitness.

The 34-year-old was dogged by niggly injuries in his last 18 months at Everton and fell out with Roberto Martinez.

Steven Pienaar is training with Sunderland as his search for a new club continues

The former South African international made 230 appearance for the Blues, scoring 25 goals

Moyes is keen to assess the skilful midfielder as he looks to add quality to his squad on a limited budget.

The 53-year-old Scot signed Pienaar for Everton on loan back in the summer of 2007 from Borussia Dortmund, and made the deal permanent for £2m in 2008.

Pienaar was a very popular figure at Goodison Park and made 230 appearances during his two spells on Merseyside, scoring 25 goals.

The 34-year-old has played for the likes of Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham

While his last few seasons have been blighted by injury, Pienaar is keen to continue his playing career which has included spells with Ajax, Dortmund and Tottenham.

Sunderland have not yet made any signings so far this summer as they were not keen on spending money on players while the future of Sam Allardyce was uncertain.

The Black Cats are also trying to tie Lamine Kone to an improved contract.

The defender only joined the club from Lorient for £6m in January and has attracted interest from Everton but Moyes is keen to keep the commanding centre back, who is believed to have been offered fresh terms worth £70,00 a week.