Southampton have reportedly opened talks with Crystal Palace over a deal for Alex McCarthy.

Former England U21 goalkeeper McCarthy only joined Palace last summer in a £3.5m move from QPR.

However, the 26-year-old made just seven appearances for the Eagles during the 2015/16 campaign and was unable to remove Wayne Hennessey as the club’s No.1.

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Palace also brought in French stopper Steve Mandanda earlier in the month as McCarthy’s future in south London appeared increasingly unclear.

Southampton are long-term admirers of the former Reading man and Sky Sports say talks are underway between the two parties regarding a summer switch.

The south coast club are in the market for a new keeper to provide Fraser Forster with competition following the retirement of Kelvin Davis.

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