United States international Landon Donovan has ruled out re-joining Everton on loan this winter.
The 28-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy forward spent the second half of last season at Goodison Park following the end of the Major League Soccer campaign, and he had been linked with a return to Merseyside in the new year.
But Donovan has now confirmed that after a long year, which also included an appearance at the World Cup, he will be resting and preparing for the new MLS campaign, which starts in March.
The American said: “I feel it is important to continue to rest and recover this off-season as opposed to going on loan.
“I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me.
“I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly non-stop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the national team throughout the upcoming year.
“I look forward to rejoining my Galaxy team-mates for the start of pre-season training next month and beginning our quest for another MLS Cup championship.”