Donovan staying in States

Donovan: Strike averted

Related links

Teams

• Everton

Players

• Landon Donovan

Also see

• Everton fixtures
• Everton stats
• Everton forum

Everton's hopes of re-signing Landon Donovan have been dashed after an MLS player strike was averted.

The Toffees, having been impressed by the forward during a recent loan spell, had been keen to bring the USA international back to Goodison Park.

An extension to his loan deal was ruled out, but a player strike in the States would have allowed him to return to England.

However, such action has been prevented just five days before the new MLS season is due to start.

A new Collective Bargaining Agreement, covering the next five seasons, has been put in place and all parties are now happy to continue as planned.

Commitment

The previous CBA had expired at the end of the 2009 campaign, with player representatives demanding, among other things, more freedom of movement within the MLS and guaranteed contracts.

Such assurances have been put in place, with Donovan, who played a major part in the talks, happy to be able to put the issue to one side.

"We have a deep appreciation for the commitment shown by the owners both historically and through this process to make the MLS one of the top leagues in the world," he said.

MLS commissioner Don Garber added: "This new agreement allows us to work with our players to continue our mutual efforts to build the sport of soccer in North America.

"We worked hard during the past few months to develop a new agreement that addressed many of the players' most important issues and look forward to a meaningful and productive new relationship over the next five years."