Tim Howard has insisted that everything is in place at Everton for a manager of "strong character" to come in and be a success.

Long-serving boss David Moyes will leave Goodison Park at the end of the season to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

While Moyes will undoubtedly be a big loss to the Toffees, American goalkeeper Howard believes that the Scot is leaving the club in the best possible position.

He told the Liverpool Daily Post: "We are a really strong group of quality players and the foundations are set.

"The table is set for the next guy and I have no doubt, if he is a strong character, a guy who can lead us well, we will have no problems."

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay and Porto coach Vitor Pereira are among those to be touted as potential successors to Moyes on Merseyside.