Seattle Sounders midfielder Steve Zakuani is training with Everton, a fact that anyone who follows Zakuani on Twitter will have certainly deduced:
It's fair to say that this morning was the coldest I've ever been during training. Louis Saha had 4 coats and 2 hats on... oh, and gloves!
Zakuani, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who he has chosen to represent on the international level, grew up in London and is a product of the Arsenal youth academy. After visiting friends and family in London for a few days, he traveled to Liverpool, accepting the Toffees' invitation to train with the club for a few days.
Everton are currently struggling in the Premier League. While the Toffees finished eighth last season, they are currently 16th in the league table, and are having difficulties putting the ball in the back of the net. When Landon Donovan joined Everton on loan from the L.A. Galaxy last winter, he brought a breath of fresh air to the club, scoring two goals and being named Player of the Month for January. Perhaps Everton are looking for a similar revitalization this season.
The Sounders, meanwhile, will be reluctant to let one of their best players leave the club permanently. The winger scored eleven goals for Seattle this season, including the team's only goal in MLS post-season history. Seattle will not want to lose Zakuani's pace and skill, but having him develop further with a loan spell at Everton could only be a positive for the Rave Green.