What Landon Donovan is hearing behind the scenes about Everton and Folarin Blaogun

Landon Donovan may have a bit more information on why Folarin Balogun's transfer to Everton fell through.

The USMNT legend has heard things about the striker, who has been left out of Mauricio Pochettino's latest international squad.

It looks like the Toffees dodged a bullet with the 25-year-old, who has played around 14 minutes for AS Monaco this season.

Balogun's move to Hill Dickinson Stadium seemed almost done on deadline day, but he ultimately pulled out.

It seems the American forward felt disrespected after the Blues raised concerns over his fitness and tried to look elsewhere.

With the Merseyside outfit finding irregularities with his fitness, they may have made the right choice in the end.

What's being said about Folarin Balogun after Everton transfer collapse

Everton's medical department did a thorough check of Balogun and weren't disappointed when the deal failed to materialise.

The Toffees certainly were right to be apprehensive about the striker's availability, given how the season has unfolded.

Donovan was informed that the centre-forward's failed move to Hill Dickinson Stadium was down to his fitness and running metrics.

The former Blues striker suggests he may have told the Merseysiders he might need a few weeks to regain full fitness, which seems to have affected a possible transfer.

Speaking on Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan & Tim Howard, the USMNT icon said, "What I had heard behind the scenes was that it was something to do with his fitness numbers, running numbers; that kind of stuff.

"That's what I had heard. But nobody has come out and explicitly said it. It's fair, maybe he showed up and was like, 'Look, I need a few weeks here because I have a minor knee injury'. Could be."

Why January transfer priority remains at Hill Dickinson Stadium

David Moyes has relied heavily on Thierno Barry this season and the French striker has looked exhausted in recent matches.

The 23-year-old is the only number nine at the Scottish manager's disposal and will have to shoulder the burden up top, especially until January.

In the winter transfer window, the Blues should sign a new centre-forward to help and compete with Barry.

In five Premier League appearances this season, the Frenchman has already missed six big chances, as per Sofascore.

Fans in L3 have ambitions of qualifying for Europe, but it will be difficult for Moyes to do so without a reliable goalscorer.