Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy stance emerges amid Everton transfer links
Rumoured Everton transfer target Alex McCarthy is finding life at Southampton “frustrating” as the January window approaches, according to Dean Jones.
The Toffees were linked with McCarthy in the summer [Liverpool Echo, 16 August] and are said to retain an interest in the goalkeeper, who is playing second fiddle at Southampton.
McCarthy has been restricted to just one appearance in all competitions this season, coming in an EFL Cup defeat at Gillingham in which he conceded three goals.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT [30 November], Jones said: “He is kicking his heels at the moment, and that’s always going to be frustrating.
“The January window is obviously a time when he could be looked towards by clubs who are in need of new options.”
While this is hardly a transfer that would fill Everton fans with a great deal of excitement – McCarthy is Southampton’s second choice, after all – it is a move that does make sense.
Jordan Pickford is the Toffees’ undisputed number one and will hopefully remain so for a few more years to come.
However, Andy Lonergan is now 40 years old and will surely depart next summer, while Billy Crellin lacks experience and Joao Virginia does not look the greatest choice to fill in for Pickford if needed.
McCarthy no doubt wants to play regular football at this stage in his career, but being second choice at a Premier League club is a better option than playing the same role in the Championship.
The one-cap England international would have to remain patient, but injuries and suspensions are inevitable, and he has proved he is capable of performing at Premier League level.
If McCarthy is indeed annoyed by his situation at St Mary’s, it may well be that he pushes for a move away in the January transfer window.
Should that prove to be the case, Everton could do far worse than make an approach for a player they have identified as Pickford’s back-up and possible successor.
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche has admitted he was “stunned” as a further update has been provided on a possible further points deduction.