Neville Southall has urged Everton to sign Wayne Hennessey as the Blues search for Tim Howard’s successor.

United States international Howard made over 350 appearances for Everton but it was announced in March that he would be returning to the MLS.

Former Everton and Wales stopper Southall believes Palace’s Hennessey would be an ideal replacement for Howard.

The current Wales No.1 struggled with consistency earlier in the season but returned to form for both club and country.

Southall, who played almost 750 games for Everton in the 1980s and 90s, told talkSPORT: “I like Wayne.

“I told Everton to buy him but obviously, like Everton, they don’t listen to anything I say.

“I think he’s got everything he needs to be a top-class goalie and I’d be quite happy to see him sign for Everton.

“He’s had an up-and-down season but it’s his first major one in the Premier League so it was never going to go fantastically all the time.

“Moving to Palace he’s going to be busy but I think it’s a good stepping stone for him.”

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