Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward could be a fit for Southampton as Alex McCarthy reportedly considers an exit.
Southampton are hoping to tie Alex McCarthy down to a long-term contract after he usurped Fraser Forster as the club’s number one last season – although his head may be turned by reported interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur.
McCarthy’s demands would make him one of the best-paid players at the club, however, and whether Southampton are willing to hand him that after six months as their first-choice goalkeeper remains to be seen.
Forster’s poor form over the first half of the season saw him dropped, despite having signed a new deal last summer, and he hasn’t played in 2018. The lack of faith in the England international would suggest that he could move on before next season, leaving Southampton with the very real possibility of needing two new goalkeepers.
If that is indeed the case, perhaps Southampton should consider sitting down with their old negotiating partners.
Danny Ward, currently Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper, is reportedly being eyed up by Norwich City for next season, according to Sky Sports. The Welshman played just once last season after his heroics on-loan at Huddersfield Town in 16/17 and will surely not be at the club next year.
A Welsh international, Ward has consistently proven himself to be a very adept goalkeeper – whenever he gets the chance, that is.
Loris Karius’ infamous Champions League final, couple with Simon Mignolet’s almost-certain exit, could convince Ward to stick around at Anfield a bit longer but a Premier League offer of a genuine opportunity would surely be too much for him to pass up.
Southampton may be able to give him that next season and in return get a 24-year-old international goalkeeper who has proven himself at both SPL and Championship level. He needn’t be the only replacement at the club but the Saints simply won’t find a better-suited, low-risk option.
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