Ferguson could bring back Howard

The American goalkeeper, 27, is on a season-long loan at Everton but his improved form has prompted Sir Alex Ferguson to consider bringing him back.

"Tim has been doing really well at Everton, which is what we hoped for," said Ferguson, who signed Howard on a contract until 2009.

"David Moyes is delighted with Tim. But it is certainly a possibility he could come back to us, no question."

A series of high-profile mistakes, the most costly of which led to a Champions League exit at the hands of Jose Mourinho's Porto in 2004, saw Howard fall out of favour with Ferguson.

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He spent most of last season on the bench as cover for Edwin van der Sar, but this term that role has been filled by new signing Tomasz Kuszczak.

Howard has, however, flourished at Goodison Park, where he has started every Premiership match this season.

"The potential has always been there because he has great elasticity, he is brave, has a good spring and is an excellent distributor of the ball," said Ferguson.

"All he needed was the experience, and now he is getting it."

Despite Howard's progress, Everton boss Moyes has revealed he has not yet discussed the prospect of making the American's move permanent.

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