Everton boss David Moyes has admitted that he will not ask LA Galaxy if he can keep Landon Donovan at the club beyond his agreed stay.
Donovan, 29, joined the Blues on a short-term deal in January and there were suggestions that the American could remain at Goodison Park until the end of the season.
Moyes, however, has paved the way for a 2013 return for Donovan by stating that he doesn't want to harm his relationship with the American club.
"If we could have had him longer, we would have done. I wouldn't be asking, because Galaxy have been good enough to give us this time with him. I don't want to ruin that relationship," Moyes told The Mirror.
Everton face Blackpool in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.