Everton want Donovan to stay

Posted Friday, March 05, 2010 by PA

Everton manager David Moyes is hoping to extend Landon Donovan's loan spell at Goodison Park.

The United States captain has made a huge impact since joining the Merseyside club on a short-term deal in January, but it due to return to parent club Los Angeles Galaxy to prepare for the new Major League Soccer season later this month.

Moyes has previously stated that any extension would be unlikely, but he has now made contact with Galaxy to see if it is possible and said: "I am keen to keep Landon and it sounds initially in America that they might say yes. I think Landon is keen to stay also so it looks as though all parties are keen."

He added: "But I have not got that confirmed yet, I can't say exactly if that is going to happen. If we can make it happen we will."

Donovan's move to Everton, which has coincided with an upturn in the team's form, has benefited both club and player.

The 27-year-old has sharpened his game in the Barclays Premier League in a World Cup year while Moyes has found him a good quality short-term solution to some of his squad's injury problems.

The midfielder has added an extra dimension on the right side of Everton's attack and Moyes views the move as a complete success. The only low point was a bad miss from in front of goal in last week's defeat at Tottenham.

Moyes said: "In the main he has done a really good job for us.

"It is very rare you can bring in someone in January on loan who can make a real difference to you but Landon has. He came in when the team was on the up, so that has suited him, but we cannot deny he has done well.

"Landon had to be thrown straight in so we had to find out very quickly if he could do a job or not. But I think his manager at LA Galaxy would say the best World Cup preparation for him would be to start in their team."