York City goalkeeper Russ Howarth is to weigh up his options before he decides on his destination for next season.

The England Under-20s shot-stopper has become a much sought after commodity - with Sunderland, Wolves and Leeds among those linked to potential moves in recent weeks.

And now Everton have added their name to the list of clubs interested in trying to tempt away him from Bootham Crescent, with Howarth turning out for the Blues on Tuesday night.

The York-born net-minder has a contract offer on the table from the Minstermen, but he is set to take some time out before making his mind up on whether to sign.

The 20-year-old has made it clear that he is after regular first team action so he can further his international prospects, but with the form of Alan Fettis limiting him to just two starts and one substitute appearance this season, he could look elsewhere.

"I'm just going to wait for now and weigh up my options," he told the Evening Press. "I want to play first team football. Alan (Fettis) is still not fit yet after his injury, but he'll probably be back for pre-season.

"I will leave it for about month and then when I come back from holiday I'll sit down with my mum and dad and my agent and discuss things then."

Howarth was given permission by City to take part in a trial with the Toffeemen in their Alex Scott Memorial Trophy friendly against Falkirk at Brockville Park to celebrate the club's 125th anniversary.

And Howarth could not have failed to have impressed Everton chief David Moyes after he kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 victory.

"I think I played well, I'm happy with the way I played," Howarth added. "David Moyes didn't really say a lot after, just well done.

"I just have to wait and see what comes from it all."

Meanwhile, City have offered a contract to 33-year-old left back Tom Cowan, who has been released by Cambridge United.

Cowan played for Huddersfield when Dolan was at Leeds Road. He has also played for Rangers, Burnley Stoke and Sheffield United.

City chairman John Batchelor has been told by doctors not to drive in this weekend's British Touring Car Championship meeting at Thruxton Park following his recent high-speed crash at OultonPark. Batchelor is owner-driver of the Team B&Q Jet York City Racing.

Updated: 12:14 Thursday, May 02, 2002