Everton boss David Moyes admits he may sign a new goalkeeper in January.
Free agent Craig Gordon has been linked with the Blues.
"We need competition in all areas and that extends to Tim Howard in goal, absolutely," said Moyes. "Everybody has got to make sure they are at the top of their game. We have got to make sure we are not continually giving away things, making mistakes that are leading to goals which cost us.
"We need competition and there hasn't been enough of that in the last few weeks when we've had a few injuries. It is something we have to think about in January."