Everton are weighing up a move for Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
According to journalist Jack Rosser, Everton and Crystal Palace are both interested in signing Alex McCarthy this summer. The Saints may be willing to allow the player to leave on a free transfer, despite having two years left on his current contract at St Marys’ Stadium, to get his wages off the books following their relegation from the Premier League.
McCarthy is an experienced shot-stopper at the top level of English football. The 33-year-old has over 100 Premier League appearances to his name, and has an England cap on his record, earned in 2018.
However, McCarthy is behind Gavin Bazunu in the pecking order at Southampton, and is currently costing the club £50,000-per-week. The Saints can’t justify those wages for a back-up ‘keeper in the Championship, which has led to the situation that Everton may be about to take advantage of.
McCarthy can solve an Everton squad problem
Jordan Pickford is the current No. 1 at Goodison Park. McCarthy would be highly unlikely to seriously compete for his starting role, however, the Southampton man would represent a significant upgrade on 39-year-old Andy Lonergan, and would be a far more proven and reliable option to turn to than 23-year-old Joao Virginia.
If the Toffees can secure McCarthy’s services on a free transfer then that would be a bargain for a player capable of effectively plugging a gap in Sean Dyche’s squad. Should Pickford face a significant absence of any kind this season, then McCarthy would be able to step in and offer the kind of quality, long-term cover that isn’t currently available to the Merseyside club.
Everton should act fast to seal a deal for McCarthy before Crystal Palace, or any other interested party, can snap him up first.