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Report: Southampton’s Alex McCarthy wants to join Liverpool

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Premier League runners-up Liverpool reportedly want to make Alex McCarthy their new back-up goalkeeper.

Alex McCarthy of Southampton shouts instructions during the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England.

Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is keen to secure a move to Liverpool this summer, according to The Standard, even if he is likely to find himself stuck on the bench at Anfield.

Simon Mignolet is expected to leave Merseyside this summer and the Belgian’s departure will leave Jurgen Klopp’s side in need of a new back-up goalkeeper. The likes of Neil Etheridge, David Marshall and Ugurcan Cakir have been linked of late but new reports suggest that McCarthy has emerged as the number one target.

The Standard claims that Liverpool have been watching the 29-year-old for at least three years now and they are expected to make a move this summer once Mignolet heads for the exit.

McCarthy is undoubtedly a talented shot-stopper who earned his first England cap last year. But he has made less than 200 league appearances in a career largely spent warming the bench at clubs like QPR and Crystal Palace.

He has also been relegated to second choice at Southampton, the club he joined for £2 million in 2016 (Echo), behind Angus Gunn.

Alex McCarthy of Southampton makes a save during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Southampton, England.

So there is an argument to be made that sitting behind Alisson Becker in the pecking order at Liverpool is not what the 29-year-old needs at the peak of his powers.

But the Standard claims that the chance to join the reigning Champions of Europe is merely too good to turn down as McCarthy looks to become the latest Southampton player to swap the South Coast for the North West.

Alex McCarthy of Southampton clashes with Jan Bednarek of Southampton as he clears the ball during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Southampton at Liberty Stadium on May 8,...