Rafael Benitez set to raid Merseyside Blue

• Poignant

  19 Jul 10, 16:45

  European champions Inter Milan eye move for unsettled Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar
  

  Inter Milan have earmarked Everton winger Steven Pienaar as a potential target but a move for the South African would force them to reconsider their squad make up.

  Following the country's poor World Cup, the Italian FA have told clubs they can only sign one new non-EU player for their squad per season and young Brazilian midfielder Phillipe Coutinho has been listed as that player.

  

  On the move: Pienaar has expressed his desire to leave Goodison Park this summer

  However, that was planned before Rafa Benitez arrived. He was keen on Pienaar while at Liverpool but believes his move to Inter makes a deal easier.

  Everton's £15m valuation of Pienaar has made a Premier League move difficult but Inter have the cash and the stature to make it happen.

  It is also understood that if a deal can't be agreed now, because of the EU ruling, Pienaar would be willing to see out his Everton contract and sign as a Bosman for Inter in January.