Beckham declines Everton offer but Donovan wants to return

Having worked under David Moyes as an emerging young star, there was every possibility that David Beckham may have taken Everton’s audacious offer of employment.

But Beckham, who is currently in Zurich backing England’s 2018 World Cup bid, has ruled out every moving to the Merseyside club.

“It’s always great to be wanted, whether it’s on loan or a permanent deal, I’ve got great respect for David Moyes having played for him at Preston,” said Beckham.

“He’s done an amazing job at Everton but I’m a Man United fan — it’s too close to home.”

But Landon Donovan, who is also in Zurich but backing the 2022 United State’s World Cup bid, is keen to make a return to Merseyside.

“I want to go back [to Everton] – how could I not after last time?” said Donovan.

Everton’s shock defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion last Saturday means Moyes’ side now lie 16th in the Premier League, just two points off the relegation zones.

It’s hard to imagine Moyes’ side as relegation contenders, but their inconsistency this season means the 33/1 on offer for Everton to be relegated offers plenty of value.

Donovan made 13 appearances for Everton last season and scored two goals, and his creativity would be key to an Everton revival.

Everton’s four strikers have scored just four goals between them this season and Everton fans would rather see a goalscorer brought in rather than another creative midfielder.

While the Toffees faithful would welcome the return of Donovan, they also know that they can’t keep relying on Tim Cahill to drag them through the season.

The Everton midfielder has eight goals to his name this season and is 22/1 to be the Premier League’s top goalscorer.

But it’s a sign of Everton’s predicament that none of their four strikers are even involved in the betting market for the golden boot.

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