Football: Everton wants to keep Donovan for longer

Everton wants to keep United States midfielder Landon Donovan beyond his 10-week loan period and says it has already had promising talks with the Los Angeles Galaxy. 

Donovan has made a real impact in the English Premier League, winning praise from club manager David Moyes and the Goodison Park fans, who have started a Facebook campaign to keep him.

"I am keen to keep Landon and it sounds initially in America that they might say yes," Moyes told reporters on Friday. "I think Landon is keen to stay also so it looks as though all parties are keen.

"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, who was Everton's player of the month for January, is currently expected back for the Galaxy's opening Major League Football game on March 27.

Everton has moved into the top half of the standings since the 28-year-old American arrived.

"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."

Though Moyes is hopeful of keeping a player who will have a key role for his country at the World Cup, the Scot also knows Donovan's value to the Galaxy.

"I think his manager at LA Galaxy would say the best World Cup preparation for him would be to start in their team," Moyes said. "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."