The USA international will move officially to Everton on July first in a deal that might land him on a permanent contract with the club.

“I am really looking forward to playing first team football and the new challenges that it will bring,” Howard was quoted as saying on the official website.

Everton boss David Moyes also expressed his happiness regarding the loan deal, especially with a goalkeeper of Howard’s caliber.

“Tim Howard was the outstanding goalkeeper in the Premier League a season ago and we are delighted to have added him to the keepers we already have at Goodison,” Moyes said.

“He will give us extra competition as we also wait on the outcome of Nigel Martyn’s injury situation,” he added.

The 26-year-old Shot-stopper, who failed to land a permanent spot in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, was called to the USA squad for the World Cup by boss Bruce Arena.

Howard’s original contract with United is scheduled to expire in 2009.