Everton plan raid on Championship club to sign backup to £18.9m ace

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has reiterated that he will be staying with the club despite interest from numerous clubs during the summer transfer window. The Englishman remains EFC’s undisputed No.1 it’s unclear as to who will serve as his deputy for the 2023-24 season. Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy has emerged as a target for the Toffees.

Veteran goalkeeper Asmir Beogvic left Everton after a two year spell at Goodison Park. The Bosnian was offered a new contract but he rejected the offer and decided to walk out as a free agent. Andy Lonergan’s contract was also expiring at the end of the season and the 39 year old decided to sign a one year extension.

However, Lonergan remains EFC’s third choice. Joao Virginia has returned from his loan spell at SC Cambuur. The Portuguese spent the last season on loan at the Eredivisie side where he gathered experience, playing 17 Eredivisie games.

Everton interested in signing Alex McCarthy as Jordan Pickford deputy

Virginia is back at Everton and he was the backup keeper to Pickford in the first game of the Premier League season against Fulham. However, it appears that the Toffees are still looking for a backup keeper for the 2023-24 season. According to talkSPORT, EFC are keen to sign Southampton’s McCarthy.

The Saints are also open to letting the 33 year old leave and the cherry on the cake is that the Championship side would allow the Englishman to leave on a free transfer. However, the arrival of McCarthy would hint at either a loan for Virginia or a permanent sale. If the 23 year old heads out on loan, it indicates that Dyche thinks that Virginia isn’t ready to take the role of a backup keeper and still needs more playing time.

McCarthy is a seasoned keeper and remained Southampton’s backup keeper last season, making 11 appearances throughout the season, out of which two came in the Premier League 2 for the U-23 side.

Pickford remains the first choice and the backup keeper will only be used in cup competitions or in case the England No.1 is injured. McCarthy is a relatively low risk signing as he would arrive on a free transfer and would not be on high wages.

Will EFC sign Alex McCarthy?