Everton boss David Moyes says the likelihood of being able to keep Landon Donovan beyond his loan deal are 'slim'.
The USA midfielder came on from the bench on Sunday to mark, what will probably be his final home appearance, with a goal in the win over Hull.
Everton have tried hard to extend his loan spell from LA Galaxy, which ends after next week's match at Birmingham, but those efforts have been unsuccessful.
"We would like him to stay but it looks like he is going back to America," Moyes explained in the Post.
"We respect that and don't have a problem with it, but he has done well. I think we and Landon would be keen but he is here for the Birmingham game next week.
"Maybe there is a bit of time to see if anything can be done but, if not, you could see what the supporters thought of him."