Sunday, May 31, 2009

Howard to sign new Everton deal

By Phil McNulty

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard
Howard has been in fine form for Everton this season

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is poised to ease the pain of the FA Cup Final defeat against Chelsea by signing a new five-year deal at Goodison Park.

The 30-year-old is at an advanced stage in talks and is expected to join defenders Phil Jagielka and Joseph Yobo in committing his future shortly.

Howard joined Everton on loan from Manchester United in 2006.

He completed a permanent move before the start of the following season and has been a regular ever since.

The American has been instrumental in Everton finishing fifth in the Premier League and reaching Wembley, keeping a club record 17 clean sheets in the league.

Howard played in Everton's 2-1 defeat at Wembley on Saturday, where Frank Lampard's long-range winner settled a contest played in blistering heat.

606: DEBATE

Everton manager David Moyes sees securing the goalkeeper on a fresh long-term contract as integral to his plans for progress after reaching the Europa League by finishing fifth for the second successive season and reaching his first major final.

Player of the year Jagielka, who missed the FA Cup final because of injury, and Yobo recently also agreed new five-year contracts.

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