Howard all set for MLS return
TIM HOWARD is likely to bring down the curtain on 10 years as Everton’s goalkeeper and head back to America this summer.
The 36-year-old has been identified by MLS side Colorado Rapids as the man they want to be their new No 1.
And sources in America say they have been encouraged to firm up their interest as Howard ponders whether he needs a new challenge and believe Everton would hand him a free transfer as a reward for long service.
His contract runs until 2018 but he has had a difficult season, struggling for form and involved in spats with fans in the Gwladys Street Stand in games against both Stoke and Tottenham. Saturday’s 3-0 win at Stoke, which Howard missed through injury, was the third game in a row in which understudy Joel Robles had kept a clean sheet.
That means manager Roberto Martinez may decide to stick with Robles,even when Howard is fit.
Howard, with 106 caps for the USA national team, is an iconic figure in the States for his heroics in the 2014 World Cup, when he set a record for the most saves in a World Cup match with 15.
Meanwhile, Everton are moving closer to securing £200m in new investment from Americans John Jay Moores and Charles Noell. CRISTIANO RONALDO has ruled out a return to Manchester United until 2018 at the earliest after declaring he will stay at Real Madrid until the end of his contract in two years’ time.
The Portugal star, who will be 33 when his current deal at the Bernabeu runs out, said: ‘I want to stay here for two more years, and then we’ll see about the future. That’s the contract that I’ve got.
‘Now what I have to do is try to win trophies and the Champions League once again.’