Everton Talking to Galaxy, MLS About Donovan Loan Extension

Reports in England confirm that Everton is talking to Major League Soccer and the Los Angeles Galaxy about extending Landon Donovan’s loan.

The original loan deal sending Donovan to Liverpool was for ten weeks, putting the league’s Most Valuable Player back in Los Angeles before the club kicks off their season on March 27 at Home Depot Center against New England.

However, Everton manager David Moyes confirms he has contacted the Galaxy about extending the deal.  While he was initially skeptical about the possibility of an extension, Moyes is now hopeful Landon Donovan will stay in Liverpool through the remainder of the Premier League season.

“I am keen to keep Landon and it sounds initially in America that they might say yes,” Moyes is quoted by BBC and English papers.

“I have not got that confirmed yet,” Moyes continued.  “I can’t say exactly if that is going to happen. If we can make it happen we will.”

Since moving to Everton in January, Donovan has made eight league appearances, starting seven times, registering one goal, earning praise from Moyes.

“In the main he has done a really good job for us,” Moyes said.

“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.

Even though Moyes will pursue an extended loan, he feels Los Angeles will try to get their best player back as soon as possible.

“I think his manager at LA Galaxy would say the best World Cup preparation for him would be to start in their team. They will be keen to get him back so we will have to be respectful of their wishes.

“If we can keep him it would be nice but if not I totally understand it.”

In December, Donovan signed a new contract with MLS that commits the U.S. international to the league for the next four years.  The deal allows Donovan to seek offseason loans of the kind that finds him in Liverpool.

With Donovan, Everton has won five times, drawn once, and lost twice, helping the Toffees climb to tenth in the Premier League.