What The Papers Say - 09 March

Landon Donovan's future is the subject of Tuesday's paper talk.

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do no tnecessarily reflect the views of Everton.

EVERTON face a battle to extend Landon Donovan’s stay with the American keen to spend another month at Goodison.

Donovan’s 10-week loan spell from LA Galaxy is due to expire after this Saturday’s Premier League visit to Birmingham City.

The United States international scored on his farewell appearance at Goodison in the 5-1 win over Hull City on Sunday, after which the home supporters implored Everton to “sign him up”.

David Moyes spoke after the game of respecting the wishes of MLS side Galaxy, who at present expect the player to return to America next week.

But Donovan has pleaded for his career in England to be extended a further four weeks after proving a huge success at Everton, and believes there is still a possibility.

“I would say there is a chance I could stay a little longer,” said the forward. “There are a lot of factors involved, obviously, we will see what the Galaxy want.

“Logistically it’s harder than just saying I want to stay or I am going to stay. I think we will have a lot more info this week.

“I have told the Galaxy what I want, they know what’s going on and I speak to my manager there fairly often and at this point it is an Everton and LA Galaxy conversation.

“Both clubs know how I feel, which is that I would like to stay, though I can’t end the season here, I’d have to go back April 15 at the latest.

“If that can be worked out great, if not then the Galaxy are my team and I’m very grateful for the chance I had here.”

However, LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has dismissed suggestions Donovan’s stay could be extended.

“We're not interested,” said Arena. “Landon will be back here March 15. We're being consistent with everything we've said all along.”

But the situation is further complicated by a dispute between the MLS Players’ Union and the league chiefs over payments, which has currently reached an impasse that could yet result in a players’ strike.

That would delay that start of the new MLS season and Donovan’s required return to the United States, although that could change on a game-by-game basis.

Everton face an uphill battle to persuade Los Angeles Galaxy to lengthen Landon Donovan's loan spell, although the player has made it clear he wishes to remain on Merseyside for another month.

Under the terms of the 10-week agreement signed in January, Donovan is due to report for training in California on Monday but David Moyes and the player have made clear their desire for the American international to extend his stay to April 15.

"I have told the Galaxy what I want," Donovan said. "They know what is going on. I speak to [Galaxy general manager Bruce Arena] fairly often and at this point it is a conversation the two clubs must have. I cannot end the season here, so I would have to go back on April 15 at the very latest.

LA Galaxy expect David Beckham to return 'next week'"Both Everton and the Galaxy know I would like to stay, but logistically it is harder than just saying I want to or I am going to stay. There are a lot of factors involved, and we will see what the Galaxy want. I think we will have a lot more information this week." Donovan's American employers have been unequivocal in their determination to see the player return home on March 15, with Arena reiterating the point over the weekend. "We are not interested [in extending the loan]," he said. "We are being consistent with everything we have said all along."

Sources at Everton acknowledge the club face an uphill struggle in talks this week to retain Donovan's services, such is the Galaxy's desire to honour the original terms of the loan deal, but the prospect of a wholesale strike by the MLS Players' Union after talks over a new working rights agreement broke down offers at least one glimmer of hope.

"If we did not have a league going on we would certainly entertain the idea of allowing Landon to stay there," Arena admitted.

Landon Donovan has made a personal plea for LA Galaxy to extend his stay at Goodison Park after admitting he was in awe of the work ethic among England’s leading players.
 
Everton’s on-loan midfielder may have questioned David Beckham’s commitment to being Galaxy captain last summer, when he fumed: ‘Maybe he’s not a leader or captain. Fair enough. But as a minimum, you should bust your ass every day. That hasn’t happened.’

He has no issues with any of Beckham’s home-based England team-mates, though, after viewing them at close quarters over the past two months and says their dedication has been an eye-opener.
As the USA star waited for an answer on his immediate future from Galaxy boss Bruce Arena, the 28-year-old revealed his impressions of English football and explained why he will be an even bigger threat to Fabio Capello’s side at this summer’s World Cup.

‘What have I learned? Wow! I’ve learned a lot,’ he said. ‘The biggest thing from a professional standpoint is to keep yourself going every day. That is so important. The amount these guys put in is so draining, physically, mentally and emotionally. I have so much respect for the Frank Lampards and Steven Gerrards who do it day in, day out. It’s the same here at Everton, when you see players like Leighton Baines turning out every week and maintaining standards.

‘It’s been really great and I can’t imagine many players in the world, let alone Americans, can say they have played against and beaten Chelsea and Manchester United in the space of 10 days. That has to be the highlight. It’s certainly improved me as a player. I’ve learned a lot technically and tactically.’
This improvement was evident in Everton’s 5-1 win over Hull on Sunday when he scored one and set up another.

‘My experience puts me in a stronger position for the World Cup,’ he added. ‘The biggest plus is I now have the confidence to play against anybody and not fear anyone at all.’
Arena recently insisted he wanted Donovan in the States after next weekend’s game at Birmingham, but a potential MLS players’ strike could clear the way to a further month at Goodison.
 

Everton will ask Galaxy for a four-week extension to the player’s 10-week loan, but deep down they fear their request will be rejected.

‘If the Hull game ends up being my last home appearance, then going on and scoring was the cherry on top,’ said Donovan.

‘But I haven’t given up hope of staying here at Everton a little longer. I think we will know more during this week. Both clubs know how I feel, which is that I would like to stay.

‘I’d have to go back April 15 at the latest, and if that can be worked out, great. If not, then I’m still very grateful for the chance I’ve had.’