Everton captain Phil Neville admitted he has been attempting to persuade Landon Donovan to make a return to the club.
The Los Angeles Galaxy forward has enjoyed two successful spells at Everton and has become a fan favourite with the Goodison Park faithful despite never signing for the club on a permanent basis.
Neville is eager to have the 30-year-old back in the English Premier League, and is certain he can make another positive impression with Everton.
“If there is a chance, I make sure that I try (to lure him to Everton) every time I speak to him.” Neville told Sports Illustrated.
“That’s the first thing I say to him. Toward the end of his spell back in January I even tried to kidnap him for a while and keep him in England.
“I’m telling the truth here when I say the last two times he’s been over he’s totally transformed our season.
“He’s the ultimate professional, he’s got great quality, and the Everton fans love him.
“He’s a hero at Goodison Park, and he’s played less than 20 games for us. I’ve played with some world-class right-sided players in my time, and he’s up there with them.”
