Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Everton after initial talks with Luton broke down.
McCarthy has entered the final year of his current contract at Southampton and is eyeing a move back to the Premier League this summer.
Crystal Palace are searching for a new No2 behind Sam Johnstone after veteran Vicente Guaita refused to play in pre-season as he seeks to force an exit. McCarthy was previously Wayne Hennessey’s deputy at Selhurst Park during the 2015/16 season.
Everton, meanwhile, are operating on a limited budget this season as they strive to stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Much of their business this summer has therefore been focused on loan signings.
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The Toffees want heightened competition for Jordan Pickford and Joao Virginia, and have been interested in 33-year-old McCarthy for a while.
Standard Sport understands that newly-promoted Luton enquired about the one-time England international at the beginning of the transfer window, but talks — which were in their early stages — collapsed.
Southampton may be willing to let McCarthy leave for free this summer due to his significant wages — believed to be £50,000 a week — and it is understood that Luton were unable to cover his demands.
McCarthy has been No2 to Irish international Gavin Bazunu at Southampton since last season. Luton are now reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign 35-year-old Tim Krul from Norwich instead.
