Donovan inks new Galaxy deal, eyes Everton loan

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan has signed a four-year contract extension with the Major League Soccer club, paving the way for a loan to Everton of the English Premiership.

Donovan, this year’s Most Valuable Player of the US league, is set to stay with the Galaxy through 2013 after scoring a team-high 12 goals this season and together with England’s David Beckham leading the team to the MLS Cup finals.

Real Salt Lake defeated the Galaxy in the MLS championship match.

The Galaxy announced their captain would be allowed to pursue overseas loan deals provided he returns for the start of the 2010 MLS season on March 27. Donovan said he would not have signed a deal without that provision.

“The Galaxy made it clear very early that they weren’t going to sell me,” Donovan said. “This wouldn’t have gotten done if (team officials) weren’t willing to let me go on loan, which is something I’m very passionate about.”

Galaxy coach and general manager Bruce Arena said that while no loan deal has been completed, one likely would be done with Everton from January to mid-March.

“I think it’s pretty much narrowed down to Everton,” Arena said.

Everton already features a top US talent, goalkeeper Tim Howard, but is fighting to avoid relegation from the English elite league.

A loan deal would allow Donovan to get a first-hand look for at least 10 weeks at the talent he and his US teammates will face June 12 in their World Cup opener against England.

At the same time, it would give English talent a better look at the all-time American scoring leader, whom Beckham knows well.

Beckham is on a loan deal to AC Milan that does not require his return until after the World Cup.

Donovan, 27, is not available for transfer, Arena said.

“He is our captain, our leader and the league’s MVP and we believe that Landon signing this new contract is a key aspect to bringing the Galaxy further success both on and off the field,” Arena said.

Donovan also has experience in the German Bundesliga, having signed with Bayer Leverkusen in 1999 before being returned to San Jose of the MLS in 2001. He returned to Leverkusen in 2004 but played little and was traded to the Galaxy in 2005. Donovan was loaned to Bayern Munich last January to March.