Southampton 'open Alex McCarthy talks with Crystal Palace'

Southampton are reportedly in talks with Crystal Palace over a move for English goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

The 26-year-old joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers last summer, but only made seven appearances for the Eagles last season and has been tipped to move on once again during this transfer window.

According to Sky Sports News, Southampton are currently in talks with Palace as the Saints seek a replacement for last season's second-choice stopper, Maarten Stekelenburg, who has joined Ronald Koeman at Everton.

The same report claims that no deal has been agreed, but McCarthy is keen on a move south due to Steve Mandanda's arrival at Selhurst Park this summer, which has left Palace with four first-team goalkeepers.

McCarthy came through the youth ranks at Reading, representing the Royals for eight years before moving on to QPR, where he also struggled to win a regular spot.