Tuesday morning links and a minor site update

Rico Clark: On his way to Germany?*

–Rico Clark just a medical test away from signing with Eintracht Frankfurt, reports ASN.

–A final agreement has been reached on the Wizards’ new stadium. Great news for MLS if it gets approved.

–I haven’t written much about the Dempsey injury because my first instinct is to panic! But US Soccer Daily says there’s no need. And Intelligent Soccer has some good thoughts too–although I’m not sure I agree that losing Dempsey drops the US below Slovenia on the quality scale.

–An Everton man loves his new Lando.

–The Shin Guardian. Just the whole site. It’s great.

–Please let me know if you like/dislike the new theme.

–School starts today, which means the glorious life that I’ve come to love to over the past month–reading and writing (and, uh, tweeting) about soccer, all day, every day–will now be over. Real-world responsibilities loom.

Still, I plan to cover the Union’s first season as in-depth as possible, and I’m hoping my workload won’t distract too much from this site. If it does I will start searching for guest bloggers to help keep the site afloat. So stay tuned future Union scribes.

*Photo: MLSnet.

Everton confirm pursuit of Landon Donovan–Soccernet

It was eminently obvious from the beginning that The Telegraph had done its homework, and was not making up the Donovan to Everton transfer story. But now we have confirmation from the club itself. Donovan is likely to join the Toffees on January 2nd, meaning that we will soon see the (arguably) best player in US Soccer history playing in the best league in the world in about a month. Sweet.

Donovan to Everton?

The Guardian reports that David Moyes is pursuing Landon Donovan as a January transfer target. Blockquote!

A loan deal for Donovan would also suit Moyes in January. The Everton manager is unlikely to have money available for permanent signings and needs to bolster a squad depleted by several long-term injuries. The Scot has enjoyed success with loaned strikers from the MLS before, signing Brian McBride for a brief but productive spell during his first full season in charge, and while his needs are arguably greater in defence, Donovan’s versatility in attack would be welcome at Goodison Park.

My take? This would an excellent move for the 27-year-old. Donovan needs to go to a club that needs him and where he can compete for a starting position from day one. While I still think he’s more suited to the Spanish game, a loan spell to a side like Everton, under a manager like Moyes, would be pretty damn close to ideal. Let’s just hope he can stay healthy.