Saints sign 'keeper McCarthy

Southampton have completed the signing of goalkeeper Alex McCarthy from Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old has joined Saints on a three-year deal and becomes the club's third summer signing.

Southampton were on the hunt for a new back-up to Fraser Forster after Maarten Stekelenburg's loan expired and Paulo Gazzaniga joined Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on loan for the upcoming season.

McCarthy made his breakthrough with Reading in the 2012/13 season after previously having spells with clubs such as Cambridge United, Yeovil Town and Leeds United.

After impressing as the Royals' number one, McCarthy was signed by Queens Park Rangers but moved to fellow London club Crystal Palace after failing to dislodge Rob Green from the number one spot.

First team opportunities were difficult to come by for McCarthy at Selhurst Park and has now joined Southampton to compete with Forster.

Southampton's Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: "We now have two quality English goalkeepers who have both represented the country at international level.

"I am confident that Fraser [Forster] will soon be England's number one, and in Alex we have a young player who has already had a taste of the England senior squad, as well as excellent experience at Under-21 level.

We'll have more from McCarthy's arrival at St. Mary's later this evening with the 'keeper's reaction to the move.