July 23 2015

Alex McCarthy

Crystal Palace have swooped for QPR goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

McCarthy has joined for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £3.5 million, and has signed a four-year contract.

The 25-year-old stopper had only been at Rangers for less than a year but was unable to dislodge no.1 Rob Green and made just three appearances.

He came up through the ranks at Reading and spent seven years there before he rejected a move to Liverpool to sign for the newly-promoted Rangers in a £2.5m deal last August.

McCarthy, who is capped at England U21 level, is highly rated by the Palace staff and will challenge for the Eagles' goalie spot.

"When I first heard about Palace’s interest I was excited because I really wanted to be back in the Premier League," he told the Palace website.

"Towards the end of last season I started hearing little inklings about a move and then gradually over the summer things progressed and now, here I am.

"Every time I’ve played at Palace the atmosphere has been brilliant; the fans are excellent and they’re so passionate about their club. I’m really excited to be here."

The arrival of McCarthy is likely to see the end of Wayne Hennessey's Eagles career with the former Wolves man reportedly a target for Tony Pulis at West Brom.

Absolutely delighted to have signed for @CPFC. Massive club with huge ambition. Can't wait to get the season started now!

— Alex McCarthy (@Alex_Macca23) July 23, 2015