Everton Revealed as Donovan Suitor

Perhaps inspired by Tim Howard's stoppage time penalty kick save on Sunday, Everton manager David Moyes reportedly has contacted the Los Angeles Galaxy about securing the services of the most important American player of all, Landon Donovan.

We use the term "reportedly" loosely. After all, the English press rarely wastes time citing sources or verifying rumors. But according to stories like this one in The Guardian, Moyes needs a few winter reinforcements as the Toffees sit just three points above the relegation zone and is pursuing a loan deal with the Galaxy.

Of course, the cynic might fear that Everton's overture is a sly cover-up for a vast English conspiracy designed to lure Donovan to the Premier League so Ricardo Carvalho can see that he meets with an unfortunate accident. But Moyes' interest seems legitimate. He should have as much respect for the American player as any foreign manager. Howard's contributions are obvious, and it was Moyes who brought Brian McBride to Preston North End in 2000 and then Goodison Park in 2002 (he scored four goals in eight games with Everton).

Moyes also coached against the MLS All-Stars in last summer's game in Salt Lake City, where his side was outplayed but wound up winning thanks to Howard's shootout heroics.

The reports out of England indicate that Everton is interested in a loan and not a full transfer, although the Daily Express is writing that the club will attempt to arrange an extended stay through the end of the Premier League season, similar to the deal David Beckham has with AC Milan.

Donovan certainly has earned the opportunity to play abroad, both through his stellar performance and a commitment to MLS that should be rewarded by a grateful league if a foreign club comes calling with a reasonable offer. The only real concern, other than a wayward Carvalho, is fatigue heading into the World Cup. Donovan was on loan with Bayern Munich last winter and played a full MLS season in 2007. It's been a while since he's had a break. But he deserves this chance. Now it remains to be seen if the reports are accurate, or just another in a litany of stories that has linked Donovan to half the clubs in Europe (and even some in Mexico).

It's worth noting that Donovan has made no commitment to staying with the Galaxy, which holds an option on his contract. Following last month's MLS Cup final defeat to Real Salt Lake, L.A. coach Bruce Arena said: "We expect him back here. There's nothing to talk about regarding that. Landon will be back with the L.A. Galaxy."

Donovan didn't exactly address his future with the same level of certainty. "From Bruce's standpoint, that's the plan of me being back. We'll know soon," he told the league's Web site. "I haven't had a ton of time to think about it. But we'll figure it out shortly."