TIM HOWARD has hinted that he would love to end his career at Everton.

The Blues stopper says he is happier than ever at Goodison, despite a career that has included an FA Cup win with Manchester United and a spell with his home town New York MetroStars.

Howard (pictured), 32, played every Premier League game for the Toffees last season after a summer when he shone during the World Cup as first choice goalkeeper for the US national side.

Now he is back in action for his nation, helping their quest for Gold Cup success, but Merseyside has not been far from his thoughts.

He said: “It’s a place I love to be. I don’t want to leave. This game is a business sometimes so there is that side to it but I’m happy, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

Howard was initially signed on loan by David Moyes in the summer of 2006 after being frozen out by Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

The move to Everton revitalised his confidence after a patchy spell with the Red Devils, and Howard has not looked back since sealing a £3m transfer in 2007, helping the Blues achieve back to back fifth place finishes in the league, and appearing in another FA Cup final in 2009.

Indeed, it is admiration for Moyes which Howard credits with making him feel so settled at Goodison – where he set the club record for most Premier league clean sheets in the 2008-09 campaign.

“It’s hard to speculate but my heart is there for the club,” he said. “Part of that is the fact that we’ve got an unbelievable coach but again things happen and times change but the club always stays the same so I hope that I can be there.”

Meanwhile, Sydney United are keen to persuade Tim Cahill to finish his career with them. The 31-year-old has made no secret of his desire to return to Australia after calling time on his career in the Premier League, and Sydney chief executive Dirk Melton believes landing the Socceroo would be a major coup.

He said: “Any successful Socceroo who is interested in returning will be of interest to us.”