Donovan rules out loan spell

Landon Donovan has ruled out a loan move to Europe in the January transfer window.

The Los Angeles Galaxy forward enjoyed a successful loan spell at Everton at the start of the year and had been linked with a repeat move to Goodison Park next month.

But the United States’ all-time leading scorer has decided to rest in preparation for the new Major League Soccer season.

“While I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me, I feel that it is important to continue to rest and recover this off-season as opposed to going on loan,” Donovan said on Galaxy’s official website.

“I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly non-stop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the national team throughout the upcoming year.”

Donovan also joined Bayern Munich on loan in January 2009, but struggled to make an impact.

“We think in the best interest of the club and the player that Landon continues his post-season break and begins preparations for what will be a challenging year in 2011 at both the domestic and international levels,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena added.

“We expect Landon to join our club for the start of pre-season training next month as we begin to prepare for the 2011 MLS season.”