Blues Close On Donovan

Club close on USA star as he declares desire to move to Everton.

Everton officials are closing in on a deal to bring Landon Donovan to Merseyside in the January transfer window as the USA international declared he is looking forward to a Goodison Park switch.
 
The Blues declared their interest in the 27-year-old striker last week and have been in discussions with their counterparts at Major League Soccer and LA Galaxy.
 
Final discussions are expected in the next 48 hours after all parties agreed in principal for the two-and-half month deal to take place.
 
"A finalised deal is not too far away," said Everton Chief Executive Robert Elstone.
 
"Positive discussions have been ongoing and we expect to have Landon join the Club when the window opens on January 2."

Donovan and Galaxy general manager Bruce Arena have also confirmed that they expect a deal to be completed imminently.
 
Arena said: "A loan deal has not been finalised, we're hopeful it will and it will likely be with Everton.
 
"Everton is a club with a small roster and a congested schedule over the next few weeks and months. It's a great fit for Landon and the clubs have an understanding of the agreement. We are confident that is where he will end up."

 
Donovan added: "You want to go where you are wanted and Everton have been incredibly professional and expressed their interest and I feel that is a place where I would feel very comfortable.
 
"There's already a lot of Americans that play there (English Premier League) and it would be interesting. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it."
 
Arena and Donovan were speaking as the Galaxy announced a contract extension for the United States international despite the former Bayern Munich and Bayern Leverkusen forward being poised for a brief sojourn in the Premier League.
 
At the media briefing in Los Angeles' ESPN Zone on Wednesday it was announced by Arena that Donovan would be remaining with the Galaxy for an additional four years after impressive performances in the last MLS campaign.
 
Donovan scored 23 goals in 25 appearances helping his side to the MLS Cup final only to narrowly miss out to Real Salt Lake.
 
He said: "This is a very exciting day for me, this has been a very interesting decision for me. It has been difficult at times but after a lot of soul searching, this is where I want to be."