With discontent rising among some supporters about a perceived lack of movement in plans to sell the club the Scot was pleased to be able to talk about some good news for a change. United States international Donovan will return to Goodison Park in January for a second spell, while Barkley has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal.
When Moyes was asked whether the news about Donovan and Barkley had put a spring in everyone's step he said: "It does in mine, it makes me feel good. I've always said making progress at a club is really important."
He added: "I think today we have made a bit of progress in signing a young boy like Ross Barkley, making sure he is our player, and bringing in Landon, who did well for us in his last spell. We are working hard to bring in more (players) just now.
"There are never any promises but if Landon is the start we are hoping to do one or two more. Hopefully it filters through to the supporters and they are much happier and have something to talk about and look forward to."
While bringing in experienced Los Angeles Galaxy forward Donovan gives the team a short-term boost Moyes stressed securing Barkley's immediate future was far more significant.
The 18-year-old has made seven appearances this season, making his first-team debut in the opening game of the campaign at home to QPR. An academy graduate, Barkley had to wait until he turned 18 - which was a fortnight ago - before he could sign a new deal.
"That is probably the most important because he is one of our own," added Moyes. "We are delighted Ross has signed and we will try to bring him on the way we have done with many others. The best news is always when you develop your own and bring them through and that is what Everton do.
"We all know he has a bright future ahead of him but he is going to need a bit of time to develop. But so did all the others; the Waynes (Rooney) and Jacks (Rodwell) of this world - even Leon Osman. We have to give him that opportunity to come along.
"No one could take him off us and we have a really good record of, when we get these boys, pointing them in the right direction and turning them into really good players. I didn't think there was any time when someone was coming to take him off me, we just couldn't sign him to a contract until he was 18."
Source: PA
Source: PA