text: Tim Howard has announced that he will be taking a break from the United States national team for a year in order to spend more time with his family. The 35-year-old has had a marquee year in American colours, culminating in his headline-grabbing exploits at the 2014 World Cup, but his footballing focus will be on Everton for the next 12 months.	
  Christian Atsu appears to be very content with his season-long loan move, expressing that he has been made to feel very welcome by the players and fans alike during his first week with the club. The 22-year-old winger also reveals that his decision was aided by his team-mates at his parent club Chelsea who told him that Everton was a great club.
  Roberto Martinez says that David Henen remains an option for Everton's Under-21 setup but says that a deal for the 18-year-old Anderlecht striker has not yet been finalised.