HE'S done it again.

Steven Pienaar is the newest addition to the Spurs squad and once again Harry Redknapp has secured the services of an experienced creative midfielder for a relative pittance.

The former Toffee's signature was secured for the paltry sum of £2.5 million, and alongside Rafael van der Vaart's £8 million price tag, we could well have captured the two bargains of the season.

Certainly, the fact that the player's contract was about to expire means the fee Everton could demand was significantly reduced, but on a day when Aston Villa signed Darren Bent for what could end up as £24 million, Pienaar's transfer looks like an absolute steal.

Given that David Bentley has gone on loan to Birmingham and a certain other pretty boy with the initials DB almost certainly won't be kicking a ball for us in anger, the South African will add strength in depth to the right side of midfield, as well as a versatility that could see him play wide left or even behind a lone striker.

Gratifyingly, our performance against Manchester United on Sunday showed we have plenty of imagination going forward.

Despite the 0-0 scoreline, we were the better side throughout and would have deservedly taken the three points if we'd have found a way to breach their defence.

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were immense in the United back four once again, and it doesn't take a genius to work out why they're still unbeaten this season, despite seldom looking their best.

However – as with the draw against Chelsea – it's a measure of how far we've come as a team in the last couple of years that a single point against the league leaders feels a bit disappointing.

Our only hope now is that we can keep improving while the Blues continue to falter, allowing us to reassert ourselves in fourth place.

And that's where we belong, right?

More good news comes in the shape of Jonathan Woodgate's groin, or rather the fact that he made it through half of a reserve match without it crumbling into a thousand little pieces.

With Woody looking like he might return at some point and our new South African defender Bongani Khumalo having recently arrived, let's hope our recent defensive frailties are soon consigned to the mists of the past.

Next up this weekend is a potentially tricky trip to the ToonToonToon.com @ St James' Park Stadium (or whatever it's called these days) for a clash with Newcastle United.

Given that the Magpies want quite literally silly money for their massively over-rated striker and ponytail advocate Andy Carroll, it looks unlikely he'll be added to our roster any time soon.

Although if Redknapp can pick him up for Jermaine Jenas and a packet of Wotsits then I'd probably give the deal my blessing.