Donovon keen on longer Toffees’ stay

(GSM) – Forward Landon Donovan has admitted there is a chance he could extend his stay at Everton if all parties, including parent club LA Galaxy, are in agreement.

The USA international has linked up with the Toffees on a 10-week loan spell and is due to return MLS outfit, LA Galaxy, in mid-March.

He has made a fine start to his Premier League career, catching the eye in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal and 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

Donovan has enjoyed his time in England far more than an unfulfilling stint with Bayern Munich last season and would be open to a longer deal.

“I’ve been made to feel so welcome and when you’re welcome like that you don’t want to let anyone down. It’s a sharp contrast to how I felt last year when I was at Munich,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“It’s a little more individual and selfish there. Here they make you feel part of a family and you keep going because you don’t want to let anyone down.

“The future is out of my control. I want to enjoy this experience. That means I show up for training and I’m ready. I show up for the game and I’m ready.

“But who knows what will happen in the future. Football’s funny and you never know what could happen.

“If I look back after 10 weeks and say I really want to stay then maybe I can make that happen. If I say OK it was good, but I’m ready to go then I can go, but for now I’m taking it week by week.”

Saturday’s clash with City was Donovan’s home debut and he admits it was a joy to play in front of the Goodison Park crowd.

“The atmosphere completely surpassed what I thought,” he added. “I guessed if we scored a few goals or were winning they’d be loud, but it was from minute one. They really push you on.

“At points you get a bit tired but then you hear them and it helps them keep going.

“There are little parts that are still frustrating me and only coming back, my touch and in front of goal. The first two weeks I’ve felt better and sharper every day and I know there’s more to me.”

The versatile Donovan has been impressed by the performances of his team-mates, particularly midfield pair Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini.

“I’m enjoying playing right wing. It’s an easy job on the right wing when Phil Neville is behind you. My ears are getting a little bit worn out but I love it,” he said.

“Steven Pienaar was fantastic in the centre of midfield. Tim Howard had said he might play there against Man City and I wondered if he could but my question got answered. He was fantastic in there.

“Not only do him and Marouane Fellaini run, compete and look good on the ball. What people don’t see is how much they lead and keep talking.”

Everton have risen into the top half of the table on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run and Donovan has already seen enough to tip David Moyes’ side as possible UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

“When I was younger it was about me doing well. Me scoring, and me being the centre of things – but now I get joy out of winning,” he said.

“When you play like we did against Manchester City and feel part of something bigger it’s so much fun.

“I haven’t been here that long but the way we’ve played at the Emirates and then against City – let’s be honest we should have won there.

“The beauty is that they’re not two fluke performances. I can imagine if this team if healthy for a good season would be a good contender for the top four.”