Crystal Palace and Everton interested in Alex McCarthy deal after Luton talks collapse

The Eagles are searching for a replacement for Vicente Guaita, while more competition for Jordan Pickford is wanted at Goodison Park

Alex McCarthy: Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl says it was 'not perfect' to question goalkeeper's professionalism | Football News | Sky Sports

Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Everton after initial talks with Luton broke down.

McCarthy has entered the final year of his current contract at Southampton and is eyeing a move back to the Premier League this summer.

Crystal Palace are searching for a new No2 behind Sam Johnstone after veteran Vicente Guaita refused to play in pre-season as he seeks to force an exit. McCarthy was previously Wayne Hennessey’s deputy at Selhurst Park during the 2015/16 season.

Everton, meanwhile, are operating on a limited budget this season as they strive to stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Much of their business this summer has therefore been focused on loan signings.

The Toffees want heightened competition for Jordan Pickford and Joao Virginia, and have been interested in 33-year-old McCarthy for a while.

Standard Sport understands that newly-promoted Luton enquired about the one-time England international at the beginning of the transfer window, but talks — which were in their early stages — collapsed.

Southampton may be willing to let McCarthy leave for free this summer due to his significant wages — believed to be £50,000 a week — and it is understood that Luton were unable to cover his demands.

McCarthy has been No2 to Irish international Gavin Bazunu at Southampton since last season. Luton are now reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign 35-year-old Tim Krul from Norwich instead.

Crystal Palace want Ghana international as Olise replacement – Club will sell for €15m

Crystal Palace are today again linked to Sporting winger Issahaku Fatawu.

Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku reacts to Sporting CP big win against Braga - Ghana Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results - GHANAsoccernet

This time, the story started in Spain, with website Pucela Fichajes writing that Real Valladolid are interested in the player.

It turns out that Portuguese outlet Record soon came up to comment on the story, claiming the La Liga side would have a ‘complicated’ time to get the signing done.

The reason is exactly the chase from Crystal Palace, who are expected to have more powerful resources to get the signing done.

Record points out that Sporting’s ‘priority’ is to get Fatawu sold for €15m. In case offers don’t arrive, then a loan is considered ‘certain’.

Back at the weekend, the very same outlet reported that Crystal Palace have talks ongoing for the transfer.

Sporting don’t even have the player in their plans for the season, and that’s why the London side have a big advantage in the negotiations for his signing.

With Michael Olise getting closer to an exit at Selhurst Park, Fatawu looks like a cheap option with potential to fight for a place in Roy Hodgson’s squad this season.