It'd be about £25000 a week wouldn't it? Before taxes etc.

Sign him up, I wonder if Moyes is linking up with any players whilst in SA working for 5 live?

Donovan's salary — that would make him affordable then!

I believe the salary is paid year round, including off season and pre season, injured or not. I'd estimate his salary level is within Everton's pay structure and a return for him and us is a 'no-brainer'.

However, as he has a long term contract, the MLS/Galaxy stipulated transfer fee may be a deal breaker. If that is the case, I'd prefer us to look elswehere for a long term signing, not a short term loan signing for less than a third of every season! That is not way to move the club forward properly.

Sign him this pre-season or forget him and get a full-time signing from elsewhere with pace and skill and youth on his side.

If Donovan REALLY wants to make it in the big time, he is so rich from all the sponsorships, he can help fund his transfer fee (ala Supoer Kevin Campbell from Trabsonspur).
If he does that this pre-season then, "welcome home, Super Lando!"

(though in today's mercenary age, I ain't holding my breath).

Peter Anthony (#3), the American posters have a different slant on this in that they believe that, if Donovan wanted to come, the deal would be done because it would benefit football in the States, if their most famous player came to the Premier League team, that is in with a shout for honours.

Personally I'd love to see him at GP; watching him on Saturday, his delivery is almost Beckhamesque, and what he lacks in silky football skills he makes up in intelligence and work ethic. Sign him now!

People seem to forget that Donovan was not even a first choice pick for Moyesie by the time he ended his spell here. The manager clearly prefered Anichebe and regarded the Yank as a luxury player. I would be amazed if he tried to sign him on a permanent basis — although we may see him again on a Beckham type loan.

Richard Dodd seems to forget that Moyesie knew LD would be leaving and that he had to use Anichebe on the right wing for the rest of the season.

Are you suggesting Dodd that Anichebe is better than Donovan? You lose all credibility with statements like that.

Moyes dropped Donovan (wrongly) because he was preparing for life without him. In his World Cup build-up article for the Times, Moyes said Donovan had everything — pace, technical ability, worked hard for the team and could score goals. The big question is whether we can sign him ahead of a lot of other clubs who'll be sniffing around him after this World Cup.

Alan, Richard isnt suggesting anything of the sort, but he is stating a fact. Moyes dropped Donovan because he was starting to struggle. He chose Vic over him. To suggest Landon was dropped to prepare for life without him doesn't make any sense — we only had him for a short period, FFS.

When you book a fortnight in the Caribbean, do you come home after nine days so you can prepare for life in the drizzly UK?

Eric, Vic played on the right wing long before Landon arrived and was playing there as soon as he was fit again, you may not rate him higher, but Richard's right, Moyes very obviously does.

Seeing big Vic after Donovan in the same position was like chalk and cheese, there was no comparison. Donovan was a light year ahead in class and ability. It showed Vic up for the lack of class and overall ability as a direct comparison between the two.

You can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear. Whatever you think of Vic, there is obviously a gulf in comparing the two. Landon anyday.

Decidedly average player.

Not really bothered if he joined us or not. People forget he lost his place and sat on the bench towards the end of his loan spell at Everton.

I agree with Erik Dols (#7). Moyes dropped Landon for two reasons:

1. To prepare for life without Landon and to give the team a morale boost.

2. Because Landon stayed slightly longer than initially anticipated and wasn't expected to be available for that match.

Maybe Landon was starting to struggle; however, his final team placement was purely due to team morale.

Donovan and Anichebe are completely different players. I would love to see Donovan come back to Everton and don't doubt that he would be a regular and important first team player.

That said, I must concede that Anichebe showed glimpses of brilliance in a few cameos late in the season — most notably a couple of immensely powerful runs which frightened the shit out of the Fulham defence. Admittedly there is a lack of consistency and you have to wonder whether 6 months, somewhere where he would play week-in, week-out, would be beneficial to Everton's cause.

Donovan isn't coming, not because of money, but because of loyalty and being one of the few players in the world who see a contract as a honourable commitment to a team.

Why do we laud players like Timmy Cahill when they talk about finishing their careers with Everton, and then cannot understand why other player won't try every trick to force their club to have no other choice but to sell (a la Lescott)?

By the way thanks for the link, just found half a dozen players who I thought had dropped off the face of the earth (i,e. Ljungberg, Juan Pablo Angel).

Richard and Dick, don't be silly know. Everybody knows Donovan was not dropped. It was to be his last game and hence we started with Vic who would have to play the next game.

Do you seriously think Moyes would rather have Vic over Donovan? Get real.

FFS, managers don`t leave out players because they might miss the NEXT game(s). If that were the case, players in line for suspensions would lose their places ahead of the ban taking effect.

The truth is, Landon was beginning to lose his impact on Prem defences and had had a couple of very ordinary performances. AT THE TIME, Davey thought we would have a better chance with VIc in the line-up. That didn`t mean he didn`t rate Landon — he just prefered someone else for those games!

Sorry, James, you are merely the latest Donovan fan trying to rewrite history .

He was dropped in favour of Vic at WHL — long before he left; when he eventually came on, he missed Sitter of the Season.

He was back in the first team against Hull because we had no fit strikers; both he and Vic played.

He was left out AGAIN next time at St Andrews when the Yak was fit and Moyes's decision to play Vic instead was vindicated when he played very well and scored a screamer; Landon eventually came on, Vic limped off injured... and Everton surrendered a two-goal lead.

People need to accept Landon was dropped, axed, left out, benched, ditched, not selected, passed over...

Landon provided something extra to our team when he was here , pace and experience and a willingness to apply himself for 90 minutes , Vic was good at falling over and lying on the ground moaning every time he got tackled . Moyes put Landon on the bench to prepare anichebe to take over that position fully knowing that he could use him when Vic tired or got fed up being tackled ... which is what happened . When Landon went , the team suffered , we never had the same outlet on the right wing and Vic was not too happy about tracking back which Landon did from his debut when he chased Geal Clichy 70 yards down the wing to dispossess him ... Coud you ever see Anichebe doing that ?

"when Landon went, the team suffered"

Well actually Art, we didnt lose a single game

Switzerland Wins!!!!!

HaHaHaHa

Confederations Cup 2009 fluke my ass.

Sticking to Daniel's original post, Landon is affordable for EFC. I'd find it hard to believe other players aren't making quite a bit more.

Peter (3) - "the MLS/Galaxy stipulated transfer fee may be a deal breaker". Here's the main point. Exactly what is this fee? No one knows. I've said before and am saying now, MLS couldn't come up with a realistic dollar figure. What would it be?

LD's 28 years old, EPL is Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more popular in the US than MLS, and the #1 benefit for American soccer is for the best field player it's yet produced to be seen world-wide (EPL is also far and away the most watched, popular league on Earth). These are facts, not Flynn Theory.

So what IS LD's value. $15-20 mil? How could MLS come to this conclusion and then who'd pay it?

Add to this, Landon all but demanding to be sent back to EFC? How often does that happen?

Look, for all the speculation about the guy, a deal will be worked or it won't. Even if it does, not until after MLS season ends. Small-time MLS might be, but Galaxy is owned by very rich internationals who have their own ambitions, Galaxy winning MLS this year one of them (Automatic qualification for that international club championship ManU won a couple of years ago).

I think:

a. He's not expensive
b. No one knows what exactly the x-fer fee would be because LD is x-fer unchartered territory
c. Moyes clearly would like him back
d. Landon wants to come back to EFC

So we'll see

I don't think either of them are that good, especially Vic. We need someone with more pace than Landon, and wih a better football brain.

My God, are we still going on about Anichebe or Donovan a few months ago in one game? Lady and gents, give it a rest, please.

How's this, everybody's right. They're both better than the other one. No question about it. Both are better than the other. Good, if LD does come back, it means Moyes has more options and a deeper bench.

Why all this on who starts or comes off the bench anyway? The thing is for EFC to stack talent and DM deploy it best to facilitate winning.

I'd add that LD can play all across the pitch and up-front (although I don't think up-front is best for him). Meaning DM could have Anichebe and LD on at the same time; not just one or the other. Personally, having watched him all these years, I think Landon would be a fantastic Sweeper.

Dave Wilson,

Yakubu started against Hull, so we did have a a fit striker. Landon started on the bench against Hull.

By the way it was two-two whilst Anichebe was on the field at Birmingham and this was before Landon even came on.

James, You are correct we don't know the transfer fee that would be commanded by Galaxy/MLS. Indeed I don't know how much say Galaxy/MLS have over the fee?

In England, it is 100% the Club that decides the fee; however, is it different in the US due to player 'drafts', wage caps etc? Kindly explain if you don't mind bro? It is all so alien to so many of us across the pond where football is so outrageously mercenary!

My opinion/hunch is that the Galaxy seem to position themselves for maximising the fee, as they seemed to push him to sign a new long-term deal right before he came over to us in January. Can't blame them, cynical commercialism to protect the club over the wishes of the player has long been the way of football..

James.

Your boy gave everything he had when he was here, he helped us out in our hour of need, Moyes was full of praise for his professional attitude, he has also pulled people like yourself on board, so all Evertonians should be very glad Landon came here.

However, every player playing today has been dropped at one stage or another, a manager will pick what he believes is the best team he can for a particular match.

Maybe it's because Landon comes with the all-American tan and glamour, but some of our fans are acting like teenage girls with a crush, they go into denial when somebody like Richard (6) points out he too was dropped too.

You are right of course, there is room for both, but I can't help thinking Colin Potter nails this one, neither of them are world beaters, that doesn't mean they can't do a decent job for us though.

When you can't afford brilliant, decent is decent alternative.

Peter (26) - I'll give it a shot.

To the extent that MLS is "Star-driven", it's for the Beckhams, Lundbergs, Henrys , Rauls, etc coming in at the end of their careers, not any American departing MLS for Europe; LD included.

Yes, he's the best known, to Americans, American-born soccer player. If you say Landon Donovan even to Americans who don't watch sports at all, chances are they'll recognize the name and that he plays soccer. Fine. Then what? We're talking MLS in 2010.

His fame at home does not mean 1,000s of extra asses in the seats because "Landon's coming to town". I think here is where folks over there attach a value to LD that simply doesn't exist.

Yes, Landon departing to EFC around X-mas will be a story here at home. But believe me, Thierry Henry arriving in NYC will be bigger and that will be reflected not only in attendance boost, but also ratings boost on ESPN. Because EPL is way more popular in the US than MLS is.

Which is why, at this stage of its growth, MLS is much better-served having America's very best field player ever, being seen in EFC Blue across the globe 8 months a year for the next 4-5 years, not being priced-out of moving from MLS over a few million bucks MLS doesn't really need.

So he can't be thought in the traditional x-fer fee way. MLS isn't stumbling along, hoping for the best. They have a good plan and are sticking to it. 10 years from now, we won't be having this type discussion much because it wil be MLS x-fering top young talent into MLS not out of. The folks running MLS know EXACTLY what they're doing.

I appreciate most EPL fans consider MLS as Championship-level at best. Fine. Whatever. But (just to pick a number) a $15 mil American x-fer fee for a player to EPL might make all the difference to conducting business the next season for a Championship team. MLS doesn't think that way at all. If that's so, and it is, what price Donovan? Not these unaffordable numbers being tossed around in here.

In the end, who knows? I don't. But unless he decides to stay at Galaxy (always a possibility), he'll be in EFC Blue. X-fer fee won't be any deal-maker/breaker.

The key is what LD decides. If he wants to stay at Galaxy, he's staying. He wants back at Goodison (which I believe), he's back at Goodison. He's the only American, playing in America, who can make either happen.

Dave (27) - I hear you. Myself, whatever reason Moyes had for dropping LD was fine with me at the time and fine now. But folks STILL going on about it here in mid-June? Keep Ani and bring LD back, I say.

As far as a "world beater". Who is? He came into the team and added dimensions that made EFC more formidable. That's it for me. No one will champion LD in here more than I do. But it all has to revolve around EFC winning big next season. And I think, even arriving in December, Landon's a fellow can help the team get there.

However Moyes decides LD provides that help is up to Moyes. Starting right, middle, left, up-front or coming off the bench to do one of those, fine by me. He can help the club is what counts.

So some folks here clearly think he's not the fellow. OK by me. This would be a damn dull site, if we just all agreed on everything. But I'll agree with "We need someone with more pace than Landon, and wih a better football brain".

Since LD has jet-packs for feet and is an extremely intelligent soccer player, I'm all for that brilliant suggestion. Except, um, where exactly are these players? If found, Moysie sign em up.

James, I'm pleased to say I totally agree with you. Moyes will do what Moyes wants to do. If he decides he wants LD back, and LD wants back (which seems plainly obvious in the tones of his interviews to me), then the finance boys of Everton and the MLS will no doubt thrash out some kind of a deal — if they haven't verbally done it already.

I'm sure Moyesie will be delighted to have him back — be it as his right sided winger, striker or an extremely strong and valuable substitute. If he does get him for a good fee, I am sure he will go out and buy someone else to strengthen his squad even more. Anything that produces a stronger Everton squad is exactly what we need to step up our challenge.

ps: Where are you Stateside, and who's your "local" team?

Just watched Uruguay - RSA. Wow, has Forlan always been that good?

Thanks James, here's hoping we get Landon signed permanently soon as possible.

I believe the MLS season ends in October, so due to England's transfer window system, I guess we can't get him before January 2011....bummer!

My last post is based on the presumed fact the LD and Galaxy will want him Stateside till the end of this MLS season at the minimum. Do you concur, Mr Flynn, or perhaps you think he could be signed up sooner if LD so wishes?

As most know, while the salary is one measure of a players worth, it is not the sole determination of how much the club will pay for a player. The transfer fees are based on a number of factor including the players salary, his skill and demand, the length remaining on his current contract, among others.

LD may have to give up some (but not all) of his side endorsement deals, or at least re-negotiate some should he transfer to Europe. He is the "King" of football players in America and believe-it-or-not, is more popular in LA than GoldenBalls.

But everybody knows it is better to be a medium of large size fish in a Large Pond than a big fish in a small pond, and everyone knows that Donovan will go to Europe following this WC, (but probably at the conclusion of the MLS season)

Because of the structure of the MLS, a single-entity ownership structure, wages are kept somewhat lower than if all the clubs were truly independent. And because of the huge popularity and hype of the sport (and especially in the UK) it's generally felt than wages in the EPL are higher than they should be.

The record transfer for an American is 10 mill ($) for Jozy Altidore by Villarreal, no doubt because of his age and potential. He "might" be worth it if he has an excellent World Cup, but he wiffed on crosses too many times against England for me to believe he is fulfilling his potential just yet. Donavan is worth at least that right now and if he (and the US) has a breakout WC it could be a lot, lot, more.

Donovan was involved on 7 of the 12 US attempts on goal against England and most people felt he did not have a really good game. But I think some of that was attributed to the sub-standard performance of Altidore and Findley on finishing their chances. Had Altidore squared a pass across goal on his attempt that Green pushed into the upright, he had Donovan waiting and open at the far post, Findley's inclusion was purely to keep the potent English offense honest. His (and to a lesser extent, Altidore's) speed was meant to keep the English defenders from pushing to far up in the attack, as Findley would easily escape most anybody on the English backline!

Their poor finishing meant more attempt on goal needed to be made by Donovan and Dempsey. As Donovan was kept in check from really moving into attack the US had far fewer chances than they needed to actually win. Most felt (and so do I) that Buddle should be the upfront strike partner for Altidore . Should Bradley pair Donovan with Buddle upfront we will see more goals from both of them and unfortunately, for Everton, an increase of his transfer fee.

It was reported here in the US that Moyes kept Donovan out or subbed-in for a break because of illness and some soreness, not because he lost any favor with Moyes!

A lot of Evertonians seem to have this rose-tinted view of Landon Donovan's brief spell at Goodison and talk of him as though he's the talisman that'll take us onto another level. He isn't.

Don't get me wrong, he's clearly a player with pace and decent delivery but don't elevate him into something he's not. His performances for us ranged from patchy to effective and he had the benefit of being something of a surprise. I think a lot of people expected him to be shite because he came from the MLS and also because of his previous poor spells in Europe.

If (Big If) he joins, he'll be a useful addition to the squad and I would have no complaints. However, if he were to never pull on the shirt again, I wouldn't loose any sleep over it because he's not going to be as big a miss as some people seem to be suggesting.

(James Flynn: there's no need for us to go over this subject again. We've done the whole 'Donovan thing' to death already! As for Forlan: he joined Man United with a big reputation but never lived up to it and left a flop. He was actually portrayed by the media here as a bit of a joke figure. Since going to Spain, though, he hasn't stopped scoring).

He clearly changed our fortunes when he came here, and just showed clearly what would happen if we have a proper right winger.

To say Anichebe is better than him is way off the mark. Donovan is a better player, but I don't think he played in his last games for a few reasons:

1. Donovan was less effective
2. The opposition – Anichebe is much more physical
3. Donovan would make an excellent impact sub.

I wouldn't mind him here I gotta admit. But I still think we can get better. Just get him on this 3-month loan deal every season until he either gets bored or moves permanently.

Just out of interest Richard and Dave, would you rate Anichebe better than Donovan?

JD - I hear you. Don't know what new could be said on the subject until he actually does or doesn't come back.

But it wasn't me started this discussion about LD, nor has it ever been. He a good player who Moyes liked and could help if he comes back. As always, that's about it for me on LD as a player.

He should or shouldn't start, play what position, as good as, not as good as, etc? I'm in the "In Moyes We Trust" group. He'll do what's best for the club. If LD's back in the team, that includes him too.

Now, no mistake, I want Landon back in Blue. So when the "We can't afford the transfer fee" comments start up, I will always jump in with the "Don't be certain of that" comment of my own.

"Been done to death" becoming the standard for inclusion here? A whole sight more discussions other than on Landon will have to come to a screeching halt.

I recall LD having illness around the time he was dropped.

His signing taught EFC the potential that having balance in the team, being able to attack effectively from both sides rather than being heavily reliant on Baines-Pienaar partnership like we do.

Anichebe I feel is still developing and is definitely a useful alternative, if he can work on his game and toughen up.

LD would definitely be a great addition! He comes with a now proven ability to play in the premiership and has a lot of experience at international level and scoring goals. He can also get better from his experience. I believe if the deal is possible it will be done.

Otherwise we need to look at alternatives. Watching Chile last night I was impressed with Alexis Sánchez, but have no idea how much Udinese would want.

Am still hoping Peanut sees the blue light and signs as theirs no reason we can't continue where we left off from last season hopefully able to defend leads and turn some of those games we dominated into wins!

Tom (34) - Good post. Slightly depressing as you so perfectly explained the main reason the US won't go deep in the tournament. We don't finish enough chances. Ugh.

Especially agree on Buddle and Jozy up top. Charlie Davies just HAD to break curfew that night. God that sucks.

JD - Forgot. Thanks on Forlan. A joke and a flop? Wow. He looked completely in charge out there today. Not just the goals. I guess he matured. Of course, scoring goals in La Liga is much easier. So, there's that.

But RSA were really throwing cleats at ankles today, more as the game went on and the ref was letting it go. Forlan sure didn't back away.

I another post on a vastly different theme I likened Doddy to Enid Blyton, I unreservedly withdraw that remark.

For Doddy now read...

NODDY!

Peter (#32), if James (#28) is right that LD could make a transfer happen if he wanted it, then likely he could sign for us before the transfer window deadline and be loaned back to Galaxy to complete the MLS season, so he'd be immediately available to us in October.

Eric (42) - Ha. A nice and fine twist. Terrific.

Arena will not let Landon go until Galaxy win it all/get eliminated. I've mentioned before, Galaxy have long-term ambitions. Landon and Beckham figure in that surely. But, those two included, no one or other player is a be-all, end-all.

Nonetheless, Galaxy short-term goals are winning MLS 2010 and going on to win the world club championship. Be surprised LD is available before Jan 11. In fact, be stunned if that happens; from Arena's or Moyes's view.

Reasons to get LD:
1. Keeps Tim happy to have fellow Yank
2. Everything AvM promised to be, but without the drink
3. Shows the world that Everton can grab a 'committed' LA Galaxy player as well as AC Milan
4. He can speak Spanish... good for linking up with Arteta (and knowing the tactics of Spanish-sides should we ever go back into Europe cup.)

Reasons not to get LD:
1. Money better spent on Clint Dimpsey as he will be able to easily score on all English sides by simply tapping the ball forward.
2. We would need to sell 20 players in order to pay for him.
3. More yanks buying Everton shirts, thus improving the profits of Everton FC (we wouldn't want to turn a profit now would we?)
4. Our 2011 team would be comprised of 80% strikers. Of which 70% will be injured 3 weeks into season.

Carlos - Try again sober.

Fun read. But sleep it off and come back.

David Thomas

I didnt mention the scores when Donovan came on, because we didnt score any once he was on. I merely pointed out the scores to emphasise how we raced into a two goal start, with Vic scoring a cracker after starting.

Thanks for researching my points again though and for reminding us all that the Landon was dropped for all three of his final games.

But I think James is right, no need to keep going on about it

Dave Wilson,

Get back to the asylum; your medication is ready.