Everton transfer news as Alex McCarthy move on cards at Goodison Park
Everton are showing an interest in signing Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy to provide back-up for Jordan Pickford, according to talkSPORT.
The Toffees stepped up their transfer business on Monday [14 August] by bringing in Jack Harrison from Leeds United on an initial loan.
Fellow Leeds attacker Willy Gnonto and Udinese striker Beto are also on Everton’s radar [BBC Sport], while a new goalkeeper may also be incoming at Goodison Park.
An update on talkSPORT’s live blog on Monday [14 August, 13:33] read: “Everton want to sign Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
“The Saints, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are willing to let him go on a free transfer.
“McCarthy would be drafted in as backup for number one Jordan Pickford.”
Safe hands
Pickford is undoubtedly Everton’s first-choice goalkeeper, and that appears certain to remain the case beyond this transfer window.
However, the Toffees do not have a great deal of quality in terms of a back-up options, with Joao Virginia the current deputy, while Ander Lonergan and youngster Billy Crellin are also on their books.
McCarthy, who has plenty of Premier League experience from spells with Southampton, Crystal Palace, QPR and Reading, looks a good option to provide cover from the bench should Pickford need a breather in the cups – or God forbid sustain any sort of long-term injury.
The 33-year-old has become accustomed to watching games from the bench in recent times, too, having played second fiddle to Gavin Bazunu last season.
Should he indeed be available on a free transfer, which suggests the Saints are eager to get some more wages off their books, it seems a no-brainer from the Toffees’ perspective and potentially frees up Crellin to go back out on loan.
With 133 top-flight appearances to his name, plus one cap for England at senior level, Everton would be in safe hands with McCarthy in their ranks.
In other Everton news, five players have reportedly been deemed surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.