Everton FC News: Louis Saha sets sights on joining World party

Dec 9 2009 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton FC latest: Louis Saha sets sights on joining World party

Everton FC News: EVERTON are considering a January loan move for United States international Landon Donovan.

Donovan is currently a team-mate of David Beckham at LA Galaxy, who recently lost the Major League Soccer final against Real Salt Lake.

With Louis Saha troubled by a niggling calf problem, Yakubu still regaining fitness after nine months out with a ruptured Achilles and both Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan long-term absentees, Everton manager David Moyes is keen to bolster his attacking options in the coming transfer window.

And a short term deal for Donovan could fit the bill, with the 27-year-old having previous experience of European football with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.

Donovan is a regular for the United States that has qualified for next summer’s World Cup and scored in the 3-2 FIFA Confederations Cup final defeat to Brazil in June.

Saha, meanwhile, has set his sights on breaking into France’s squad for the World Cup finals next summer – but not before helping propel Everton away from relegation danger.

Saha netted his 11th goal of the season on Sunday to spark a remarkable comeback from David Moyes’s side to earn a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Although it edged the Goodison outfit up to 15th in the table, they stand just three points above the drop zone.

And while Saha’s goalscoring form has prompted calls for an international recall, the 31-year-old is merely focusing on his club form for now.

“I am trying to put thoughts of a World Cup call-up to one side,” said Saha. “I need to concentrate on my form for Everton. Obviously, though, if I got a call-up I would love to be there.

“My goal against Spurs was important for the team as it got us back into the game. Every goal we score gives more confidence to the lads so to get a second to secure the draw is a boost.”

Saha believes the controversy caused by France’s World Cup qualification following the now infamous Thierry Henry handball incident should now cease after FIFA rejected calls for a replay or to allow the Republic of Ireland into the tournament as an extra team.

“It is a shame people are still talking about the way France qualified. It was a decision made by the referee but it wasn’t a decision in the last minute.

“There was plenty of time for the Republic of Ireland to score another goal. France did the job so we should move on now.”

Saha has earned 18 caps for his country, including an appearance in the World Cup semi-final in 2006, but has not made an international outing in more than three years.

France have been drawn in the same group as hosts South Africa in next summer’s finals, and Saha has already locked horns with Goodison team-mate Steven Pienaar.

“I have been having some banter with Steven about France taking on South Africa in the World Cup,” he said. “It is a great draw for both teams.

“It doesn’t matter who you get through as it is the World Cup so all teams are very strong. It is a big draw but if France get themselves together they have a great chance to get through the groups stages.”

FORMER Everton player George Cummins has died at the age of 78.

Dublin-born George made 29 appearances for Everton between 1951 and 1953, before departing for Luton Town. He passed away last month at Southport District Hospital after a short illness.