Klinsmann keen for Donovan to repeat Everton loan
Published:Everton are continuing in their attempts to bring LA Galaxy’s Landon Donovan back to Goodison Park for a third loan spell during the Major League Soccer off-season.
The Toffees have been encouraged by USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann’s enthusiasm for the move with fellow American star Clint Dempsey having made a similar return move to Fulham at his international manager’s urging.
“If you get a chance to go on loan to Europe, do it” Klinsmann said. “It is very crucial for us that the players understand that everything they do now today has an influence on Brazil 2014 next summer. They can’t take it easy.”
Specifically referring to Donovan, Klinsmann commented that “I always said if Landon decides to stay at the Galaxy and not challenge himself in Europe, that is his decision, but at the same time, it’s my job to tell them what the next level is or could be and challenge them to get there because that is what sports is all about, measuring yourself against the best.
Because the guys we are going to meet in Brazil 2014 are the best in the world, and I need to prepare them for that.”
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is seeking cover for the injured Gerard Deulofeu and Arouna Koné. With both the Barcelona winger and former Wigan striker facing long lay-offs, Donovan’s ability to play from the right hand side and up front would be an ideal fit.
Donovan is keen to reunite with international teammate Tim Howard and his popular twitter account makes clear his affection for Everton.
He has tweeted about the Merseyside club’s recent rise up the table with the hashtag #UpTheToffees and on Christmas Day, Donovan asked his over 892,000 followers what Everton presents they had received.
In his first spell at Everton Donovan won the Premier League player of the month award, while during his second loan he assisted seven goals in just seven games.
His return would provide a real boost to Everton’s quest for Champions League football after Sunday’s victory over Southampton.
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