LA Galaxy's Donovan granted work permit for Everton

Donovan has played 120 times for the United States

Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan has been granted a work permit, enabling the American to join Everton on a two-and-a-half-month loan deal.

The 27-year-old forward, who holds the US national team's goalscoring record, will join Everton on 2 January and remain with the club until mid-March.

"He's a good finisher," said Toffees boss David Moyes after the Donovan deal was announced last week.

"He is the first of two or three players I want to bring in in January."

Donovan's arrival will provide a much-needed boost to Everton's injury-ravaged squad as they look to move up the Premier League table.

Moyes delighted with Donovan capture

"American boys in the main tend to come over here and do well," added Moyes. "He was voted the best player in Major League Soccer (MLS), so I think he can bring some qualities we can use.

"He is relatively experienced and I need these players to come in and hit the ground running, not need a month or two to get ready."

Donovan has scored 42 goals in 120 appearances for his national team, although he failed to find his best form in the German league during spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.

The forward has spoken to Everton's US keeper Tim Howard about the Merseyside club and is "very passionate" about a loan move.

606: DEBATE Donovan brings pace, skill, and great field vision to the squad. Should be interesting to see how he works with Cahill, Fellaini, Jo, and Saha merseysideoc

"Everton have been incredibly professional. I feel that it is a place where I would feel very comfortable," said Donovan, who has just signed new four-year deal with LA Galaxy.

If fit, Donovan is virtually certain to start for the US against England in his nation's first group match at the World Cup in South Africa next summer.