Southampton are willing to sell goalkeeper Alex McCarthy before the end of the window, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The 32-year-old has been Saints' number one shotstopper for the best part of four years, but he's lost his place in the side which could lead to a summer exit.

What's the latest news involving McCarthy?

McCarthy only signed a new £50,000 per-week contract 12 months ago having established himself as the club's number one in the three seasons prior.

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Between 2018 and 2021, the ex-QPR man played more than 80 Premier League games having beaten off competition from both Angus Gunn and Fraser Forster to be Ralph Hasenhuttl's preferred option.

Gunn left for Norwich last summer and Forster's deal expired back in June, which saw him depart for Tottenham and give McCarthy an even clearer run in the team after an injury-hit 2021-2022 campaign.

But the arrival of Manchester City star Gavin Bazunu, who caught the eye while on loan at Portsmouth last season, has seen McCarthy slip down to number two and sit on the bench for the opening two Premier League games.

As a result, Crook reckons that not only are Southampton open to offers for McCarthy, but they're hoping someone will approach them for his services, especially after signing another goalkeeper in Mateusz Lis this window.

What did Crook say about McCarthy?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Southampton are willing to let him go, I think they're hoping that someone will come in for him.

"As far as I know, Manchester United haven't firmed up that interest as of yet."

Who has been linked with McCarthy?

With Southampton well stocked in the goalkeeping department, they might get their wish of cashing in on McCarthy.

That's because The Sun claim that Manchester United, who are in the market for a backup keeper following Dean Henderson's move to Nottingham Forest, are 'keeping tabs' on his progress.

United currently have Tom Heaton at their disposal, but the ex-Aston Villa stopper hasn't played a league match since January 2020, which could open the door for McCarthy, although the report states that United are yet to make an official approach.

There's been no other concrete interest in McCarthy but considering he's an England international and has played more than 100 games in the top-flight, he would be a decent asset for most Premier League sides, whether that be as a starter or to provide cover.