Donovan keen on Everton switch

(GETTY IMAGES)

USA forward Landon Donovan feels he would be "very comfortable" at Everton if a loan deal with the Merseyside club can be finalised.

Donovan confirmed yesterday that he had agreed a new contract with Los Angeles Galaxy through to 2013 but is keen to join a European club on a short-term basis in January to maintain his fitness during the Major League Soccer off-season in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Everton last night claimed they had agreed a "deal in principle" to sign the 27-year-old on loan and Donovan has been hugely impressed with how Everton have conducted themselves in the talks so far.

He said: "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 (in the Premier League) and it would be interesting. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

A statement on the Merseyside club's website last night read: "Final discussions are expected in the next 48 hours after all parties agreed in principle for the two-and-half month deal to take place."

Toffees chief executive Robert Elstone added: "A finalised deal is not too far away.

"Positive discussions have been ongoing and we expect to have Landon join the club when the window opens on January 2."

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena added: "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, who has previous experience of European football with German clubs Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, is the current MLS Most Valuable Player. If fit, he is likely to be a vital component in the USA side to take on England in both sides' opening World Cup group match in South Africa next June.