Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has backed down over a row with fellow US soccer icon Brad Friedel.

The Telegraph reports Howard is to remove a passage in his autobiography where he claimed that Tottenham goalkeeper Friedel "actively tried to block his move" to the Premier League, but stopped short of apologising to his fellow United States goalkeeper.

On Tuesday Howard released a statement:

"In telling the story of my move to Manchester United from MLS, I describe at length a number of obstacles that potentially stood in the way of a massive career-changing opportunity.

"One of many such obstacles that I discuss in this context is opposition to my work permit by the PFA and, as I understood at the time, Brad Friedel.

"Brad takes issue with my characterization of his position and events. At the time I was surprised that Brad would not automatically sign my letter of recommendation, and I took this as an opposition to my application.

"Brad later explained that he had not in fact opposed my efforts to seek a work permit, either by writing to the PFA or otherwise.

"I have decided to take Brad at his word. Accordingly, I have directed my publisher to amend future copies of my book by striking reference to Brad's opposition."