Southampton sign Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alex McCarthy on three-year deal

Southampton have completed the signing of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alex McCarthy on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The Saints had been looking for back-up for Fraser Forster this summer following the retirement of Kelvin Davis, Maarten Stekelenburg’s return to Fulham after a loan spell at St Mary’s last season, and Paolo Gazzaniga moving to Rayo Vallecano on a temporary deal for the upcoming campaign.

McCarthy, who has been capped three times at England Under-21 level, moves to the south coast following a disappointing spell at Selhurst Park, making just seven appearances in all competitions following a move from Queens Park Rangers last summer.

The stopper is Southampton’s third signing of the summer as they gear up for the influx of matches that the Europa League group stages will bring next term, and the 26-year-old follows in the footsteps of Nathan Redmond and Pierre-Emile Hjobjerg, who joined the club from Norwich City and Bayern Munich respectively.