It's coming from The Sun, but still... The full article (which I found posted on Redcafe.net) claims that Roy Carroll is gonna sign and stay as well.
the Sun also thinks that RVN is getting sold to either Real Madrid and Chelsea. They make ******** up at random
Let's look at this from a practical matter. Howard is 25 going on 26, a 4 year contract would take him to 30 at which point he would only be offered 1 year deals which is SAF's "policy". By signing him to this long term deal, you are getting at a minimum a serviceable backup at a cheap price and at best a long-term starter at once again a cheap price. Howard sees more job security in that he knows ManU want him there in some capacity for the long term. Maybe that will help him re-focus. It wouldn't shock me if this were true, but it is the Sun. . .
found a similar article, check it out: http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/3595938 hmm could be sweet for timmy forza inter
do we really want to cheer for this? Tim's a future US national GK starter, do we want him on the ManU bench when Cudicinni, Casillas...or who ever comes in to replace him? I would rather see him at a mid-table Prem team as a starter.
He ain't future until he can hold on to the ball and collect crosses. If he can do that he won't be on the bench for MANU.
I have to say Tim Howard must have some of the best agents in Europe.Least look at there track record here first.They get him sold to ManU after a couple of years starting in Mls with ManU doing most of there scouting via tapes of his performances.Secondly after struggling all year getting ManU to talk and at least look at a pay raise posturing perfectly after Roy Carroll has been dragging his feet on signing knowing that even if they do buy a keeper they are going to have to sign one of the two long term as cover.In which case that some one comes in a swoops for him they will have to take on his new contract and that pay raise while playing first team football or take the fat new contract and be the number 2 at the biggest club in England.His agents are doing a pretty good job on Timmy's behalf.
I don't doubt his talent but after the year he had to get a potential long term contract and rasie is good work by the guys that work for you.
and because of his shaky year I seriously doubt Timmy's agent approached ManU about a contract extension. That'd be silly to say the least.
"Tim's people have been in talks with David Gill, so we are on the move with that one," Ferguson told MUTV. "He is still a young goalkeeper who needs experience. That is the area we know we see improvement in him."
Sir Alex is not ready to give up yet. Keepers peak late, and I think ManU will stick with him unless someone else makes an outrageously high offer. I'm not aware of any better keepers coming on the market soon.
why are you so happy about it.... I don't see that great a shot of him sticking around at #1 for ManU at this point.... So would it not be better for him to not be re-signed? He is still quality enough to play in Europe for a midlevel team ...... Please tell me (and this is an honest question): Were you not a fan of ManU (not to mention the fact that like most of us on these boards, you like to follow our YAs) would you be as happy about this? Do you consider this the best step in his future?
probably not as much. but honestly? I'm happy for Tim because its seems that where he WANTS to be. to often around here we forget that these players aren't created soley for the purpose of the USMNT. As long as the players do not maliciously turn their back on the national team, I put the players before the USMNT and apparently Sir Alex Ferguson thinks he has quality to be a #1 for major European club
Howard has the option to stay at ManU (and possibly at a higher salary). If he does not want to stay, he does not have to sign the new contract. What's there not to like as a Howard/Yank fan?
I am a bit surprised about the talks, given his very poor year. United seems to be willing to take the risk on him but, mind you, this could be a calculated risk. Judging by the quotes that Motterman had and the link afterwards, it looks like this doesn't mean that Howard is the confirmed #1. To me, it looks more like Ferguson could be willing to loan him out to gain that experience and see how he comes along and develops. He saw his potential, and knows what he is capable of. But it's not impossible that Ferguson and United are developing a situation where they can have their cake and eat it too. Bring in another top level keeper, and have Howard as great cover or loan Howard out with the ability to recall him if need be. Perhaps a bit of a cynical approach. But there really are several different reasons that could be behind this, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.