Queen Park Rangers' second choice goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has drawn strong interest from Crystal Palace, warranting a new price tag of up £3.5 million.
Alan Pardew is searching for someone to provide strong competition for veteran 'keeper Julian Speroni but will have to meet McCarthy's release clause in his contract if they want the 25-year old. According to the Standard, Crystal Palace originally had a £2 million offer rejected by their London rivals but have not given up the chase for the former-Reading man.
The move makes perfect sense for Pardew's side, especially since Speroni is 36 and may not be available for every game next season in what is shaping up to be a very tough Premier League. The lure of top flight football may also persuade McCarthy to make the permanent trip across London to Selhurst Park.
Green's stay could be the end of McCarthy's time at Loftus Road
Queens Park Rangers were relegated from the top flight in May but have managed to hold onto their first choice shot-stopper Robert Green. As Green has decided to stay, Standard Sport reported that McCarthy wanted to leave Loftus Road due to not being the side's number one. Making just four appearances for QPR, McCarthy's short time at the club may soon be up if Crystal Palace continue their pursuit.
A move for Alex McCarthy is expected to allow Wayne Hennessy's departure from Crystal Palace and McCarthy would likely see a lot more action than his time at Queens Park Rangers. The possible transfer would likely hurt QPR as they would need to find a capable back-up goalkeeper in case Robert Green goes down with an injury, and not to mention the England international is 35 years old.
A good move for both sides
McCarthy recently joined Queens Park Rangers from Reading a year ago but has failed to unseat Robert Green as first-choice. Unless the club can convince the 25-year old that he will see more game-time, a move to Crystal Palace may happen sooner rather than later.