EVERTON FC are giving United States international Edson Buddle a trial this week.

Goodison manager David Moyes is keen to increase his options up front and he is taking a look at the 30-year-old striker, currently at FC Ingolstadt.

The German second division side are on their winter break, allowing the former Los Angeles Galaxy player to come to Merseyside.

VIDEO: Buddle's goals in the MLS

Buddle is represented by the same agents as Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and on-loan Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, both fellow Americans.

He scored 42 times in 87 appearances for the Galaxy between 2007 and 2010 and has six goals in 17 league appearances for Inglostadt this season.

Buddle’s representative Richard Motzkin, managing executive of Wasserman Media Group Global Football Group, confirmed on Twitter: “For those asking, my client Edson Buddle will be on trial this week at Everton FC.”

Buddle had a similar trial at West Ham United last month and a year ago attracted interest from Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Buddle formed an impressive partnership with Donovan at the LA Galaxy, culminating in 19 goals in 30 games in 2010 and a call-up to the World Cup.