Though it shouldn't come as much of a surprise, U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard has thrown his support behind Landon Donovan's impending loan move to Everton, stating emphatically that Donovan could provide a boost for the Toffees.
'From playing with him in the USA team I know he is a tremendous player,' Howard told Everton's official website.
'He'd be a good addition to any team and particularly this team. He is a star, he really is."
While both the Los Angeles Galaxy and Everton have issued statements saying the loan move has not yet happened, sources have told SBI that the loan has been agreed to in principle and is going through final details before an announcement later this month.
Everton manager David Moyes confirmed in a Friday press conference that the Toffees are closing in on a Donovan loan deal.
“I can't tell you too much just now because we are just finalising things," Moyes said. "But I think that will probably happen in a couple of weeks."
Moyes stopped short of saying the deal was already finished, and choose to withhold more comment until everything was complete.
"I would rather wait until it's done. Maybe in a couple of weeks we will be able to tell you a little bit more," Moyes said of the impending deal.
Howard made it clear that Donovan has the qualities to jump in and contribute right away in the English Premier League.
'Donovan can bring several strengths to the team," Howard said. "He can play wide right and underneath the strikers, he has got good pace with the ball and he runs and runs all day long.'He's got a fantastic touch with both his left and right. He can cross the ball well and shoot the ball well – he has got a bunch of attributes that mean he'll do well in the Premier League."
What do you think of Howard backing Donovan's move? Excited to hear that the move is being finalized? Looking forward to seeing Donovan lining up against teams like Chelsea and Manchester United?
Share your thoughts below.