Tim Howard - New York City FC should demand Lampard return

The 36-year-old has impressed on loan at Manchester City, with Manuel Pellegrini wanting to extend the agreement, but the goalkeeper feels it's damaging to Major League Soccer

Tim Howard has hit out at Manchester City's attempts to delay Frank Lampard's move to MLS outfit New York City FC.

The 36-year-old agreed to join the new franchise following the expiry of his Chelsea contract in the summer, before joining the Premier League champions, whose owner Sheikh Mansour has a stake in both clubs.

Lampard's loan was initially expected to expire in the New Year as he prepares to move to New York ahead of the start of the MLS season in March, but Manuel Pellegrini wants him to stay with the champions.

Howard, though, feels that New York City FC should demand Lampard's return despite his success in England.

"I think probably the MLS have made their own problem," Howard is quoted as saying by the Sunday Express.

"New York is owned by Manchester City. Frank Lampard is playing at Manchester City and doing very well, and Manchester City own the world.

"I think Frank Lampard being part of a title-winning team is a little higher up on their priorities. They have made their bed.

"In the future I’m sure the MLS will want to protect their interests but I don’t know how. Maybe it’s a case of slapping Frank on the wrist and telling him he has to go to New York."