Everton set to land Donovan on loan

EVERTON last night confirmed they have “agreed a deal in principle” with the Los Angeles Galaxy for forward Landon Donovan to join the Merseyside club on a two-and-a-half-month loan in January.

Donovan had earlier committed his long-term future to Galaxy by signing a new four-year deal.

Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes will press some of the club’s promising youngsters into Europa League action tonight and makes no apologies for doing so.

Moyes might even be tempted to start with 16-year-old left-back Jack Bidwell and midfielder Adam Forshaw, who is only two years older, against BATE Borisov.

Everton have already secured a place in the last 32 and the squad is riddled with injuries.

Moyes said: “We have earned the right in this game to play a very young team because we have qualified. There is a little bit of concern that BATE are a decent side.

Moyes has confirmed Tony Hibbert will captain the team as the versatile defender will be making a club-record 20th European appearance.

The Scot said: “The reason he has got those figures is the competition has changed. We have group stages now.

“His name will be at the top of that list when people talk about games in Europe. Hopefully there will be many more games to come from him.”

Moyes admits he is pleased his team will, after tonight, be taking a break from European competition for a couple of months.

He added: “I do not think people realise what it takes out of the players. We have had to play nearly the same team in every game. It has really taken its toll on us.”