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Everton's Yank keeper keeps an keen eye on the MLS, where he used to play before his move to Manchester United in 2003.

And in his eyes, Lampard should pack his bags as soon as his loan deal from New York City to their sister club Manchester City expires at the end of this month.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini, though, is desperate for talks to extend ­Lampard's move after his ­successful first half of the season at The Etihad.

But Howard believes the delay in Lampard, 36, joining his new side in the States for pre-season training should be ended as soon as possible.

Asked how he saw the Lampard situation ­developing, Howard said: "It's a tough one. City own both clubs and therein lies the problem.

"I think the MLS have probably made their own problem. New York is owned by Manchester City.

"Frank Lampard is playing at Manchester City and doing very well. Manchester City own the world. And I think Lampard being part of a title-winning team is a little higher up in their priorities.

"I don't see how the MLS can solve this in the future.

"Perhaps they will have to slap Frank on the wrists and tell him he has to go to New York. But I don't think that's going to happen."

Howard is not ready to make an emotional return to America himself, after revealing he is happy with life at Everton and in England.

He added: "The league there is flourishing. Every team now has its own specific stadium, pretty much. And money is being spent.

"You have had Thierry Henry and David Beckham there. When I went to Man United, David went to Real Madrid and then LA. The same with Henry. Arsenal to Barcelona to New York.

"But it's not on my radar at the moment. I have a wonderful work and personal life here."

* Tim Howard's book, The Keeper, A Life of Saving Goals and Achieving Them is out now (HarperCollins, £18)