Celtic considering summer move for Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy with Liverpool and Newcastle also interested
- Alex McCarthy is emerging as a summer option for Scotland’s leaders
- Liverpool and Newcastle are also considering a move for the player
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Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has emerged as a summer option for Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic, Liverpool and Newcastle United.
The 34-year-old, who performed superbly for Southampton in their Championship semi-final match against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, is out of contract at the end of this season and that has put a number of clubs on notice.
The highly experienced former England international regained his place in the Southampton first team after Gavin Bazunu ruptured his Achilles tendon last month and has finished the season with flying colours.
Celtic are looking for a goalkeeper as Joe Hart retires at the end of the season. Brendan Rodgers wants a goalkeeper who is good with his feet and has previously looked at signing McCarthy.
Liverpool and Newcastle United are also monitoring developments with McCarthy in drawing up shortlists for backup goalkeepers.
Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has emerged as a summer option for Celtic
Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher wants to play more regular first-team football, while Newcastle want to land Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal – despite realizing he could prove expensive – and they have question marks over Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius.
McCarthy has Premier League experience at Reading, QPR, Crystal Palace and Southampton and is keen to return to top-flight football, while Celtic would also offer a wider challenge with European football.
A number of Saudi Arabian clubs are also showing interest after being made aware of his availability.
He first hopes to ensure that Southampton returns to the Premier League quickly. They face West Brom in their play-off semi-final on Friday, with a place in the final at stake against the winners of Leeds United and Norwich City on May 26.
The 34-year-old, who was excellent for Southampton against West Brom on Sunday