Everton have signed on-loan keeper Tim Howard from Manchester United on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old United States star has signed a five-year contract with the Goodison Park club.

Howard said: "The club shares my ambition - that is for sure. So does the manager and so do fans."

He added: "I was drawn to the club for a number of reasons and the players in the dressing room are one of them."

Everton manager David Moyes told the club website: "We are delighted to have Tim Howard.

"He has come in this season and proved he is a good keeper and we are pleased to have secured him."

Manchester United paid £2.3m to sign Howard from New York/New Jersey Metrostars in July 2003, and he played 77 games for them before moving to Goodison last summer.