Recent reports linked longtime Everton and U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, 36, with a summer move to the Colorado Rapids of MLS. And while the exact timing and salary details remain up in the air -- and we don't know whether the deal will take place, as Toffees manager Roberto Martinez recently said he wasn't aware of the Rapids inquiring about Howard -- it presents an interesting question: Should the New Jersey native move back to MLS soon?

For a number of reasons -- including Howard's current career phase, proximity to family, contract opportunity and role in further developing MLS -- it makes sense for him to return to Major League Soccer. Here's a look at the underlying factors involved, the biggest adjustments Howard will face if he comes back to MLS, and what his outlook would be if he returns stateside.

Factors: Career arc, club situations, timing