Speculation Regarding Leighton Baines' Future

It seems Leighton Baines' days at Everton are numbered considering reports are emerging of him leaving Merseyside and going off to Munich. Manager David Moyes was quick to squash these rumors insisting there's no truth behind them and it's only speculation.

Leighton Baines has been one of the highlights of Everton's season so far and along with Tim Cahill they are Everton most prized assets. With Tim Cahill leaving in January to do battle for Australia it will be left down to Englishman Baines to provide the spark that Everton need to get their season up and running.

Everton are currently struggling and are placed at 14th in the table at the moment. Although they're traditionally known as 'slow starters' it's not a nice feeling being so near the bottom. This season the table has become far more tighter than in recent seasons with 1 point separating Everton and 8th and 6 separating them from 5th place Tottenham.

Donovan Rules Out Everton Loan

Unfortunately it's not to be for Toffee's fans as Landon Donovan has ruled out a move to Everton during the MLS off-season.

Donovan was heavily linked with the Merseyside club, with Fulham also keen on his services. Donovan gave a statement to the LA Galaxy website yesterday proving heartbreak for Evertonians worldwide. Donovan said ''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.''

Everton have now turned their attention to Aston Villa outcast Stephen Ireland, who whas failed to make an impression ever since his arrival to the Midlands. Also on Evertons Transfer shopping list is Wolves winger Matt Jarvis & Manchester City want-away striker Roque Santa Cruz. They've also been linked to Steven Taylor of Newcastle in recent weeks.

The Race To Sign Landon Donovan

Its being reported that Everton & Fulham are both after American starlet Landon Donovan. Donovan,  was influential for Everton last season, being crowned their 'January Player Of The Month Of 2010',  would enjoy a second stint at the Toffee's, considering they are enduring a horrendous start to this Premier League season. He would most definitely be welcomed with open arms although he would have trouble finding a starting place with the in-form Irish teenager Seamus Coleman but a switch with midfielder Jack Rodwell would suit nicely. Donovan scored 2 times in 13 appearances for Everton back in January and February, but was iconic in his creativity, setting up numerous goals during his 2 and a half month loan at Goodison Park. He also starred for the USA in the World Cup during the summer, scoring three vital goals for the Americans to ensure they would emerge from their group.

Fulham are also interested in what he has to offer. They too are suffering a similar start to the Toffee's and having drawn far too many games this season they could see themselves battling for survival soon enough. There's no doubt Donovan would enjoy the Cottage and he would team up with American team mate Clint Dempsey who's had a difficult start to the season.

Newcastle have also been reported to have joined the race to sign Mr Donovan from LA Galaxy. They too are struggling to re adapt to life in the Premier League and although they were sitting comfortably in 11th, Mike Ashley sought a change in managers, for reasons unknown, and decided to replace the reliable Chris Hughton with experienced candidate Alan Pardrew who started his reign in fine fashion toppling inconsistent Liverpool 3-1. Donovan would fit into the role Hatem Ben Arfa would have taken up but a broken leg has ruined his chances.

The length of his loan, wherever he go's, is possible to be similar from that of earlier this year, likely to be 3 months considering he has duties back home as he will have to compete in the Gold Cup beginning in March 2011.