The Spaniard wants some competition for Tim Howard.
Newly appointed Everton manager Roberto Martinez has made signing a new goalkeeper to challenge Tim Howard next season a priority this summer, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The Toffees will release second choice stopper Jan Mucha on July 1 after three years at the club and with only youngster Mason Springthorpe on the sidelines, Martinez wants to bolster his squad.
Howard has been a stalwart at Goodison Park since his move there in 2006 from Manchester United – initially on-loan before making a £3.7m permanent switch 12 months later.
The American has been ever reliable for the club and last season marked a 1-1 draw with Stoke City by celebrating having played 400 consecutive Premier League matches for Everton.
Two broken bones in Howard’s back ended that run but still only kept the 34-year-old for three matches and he managed 40 games in all competitions.
Yet the departure of David Moyes to United and with the Merseyside club moving into a new era under Martinez, the Spaniard wants to shake things up and ensure Howard doesn’t get too complacent between the sticks.
However, this doesn’t bother the ‘keeper and the American international – currently on national duty for the USA’s World Cup qualifiers – has revealed how he plans to keep his No.1 title from any new challenger.
“I train hard; I don’t miss training. You have to keep a good rhythm,” Howard was quoted in the Liverpool Echo.
“I have to mind my age. My maintenance is higher. I lift weights harder and heavier than I ever have now at 34, to keep my body fit.
“I now know how much easier you can make a save, just by being in the right position. That’s why goalkeepers get better with age – you learn the intricacies of the position.”
Everton will begin their first season not under the management of Moyes for the first time since 2001 with an away tie with Norwich City on August 17, with Howard looking to play his seventh season at the club as first choice.
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