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Celtic plot summer swoop for Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy

Celtic are keen on signing Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy during the summer transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

The Scottish Premiership giants are preparing for life without Joe Hart, who is set to retire from professional football at the end of the campaign, and his fellow Englishman has been identified as a potential replacement.

However, Celtic are not the only club interested in recruiting the services of McCarthy, with Liverpool and Newcastle United also monitoring the soon-to-be free agent.

The Premier League duo want a new backup goalie, but the 34-year-old could prefer to keep playing regularly and the Hoops are offering that.

The former England international is also on the radar of some clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but joining Celtic could be more appealing as he will get a chance to finally play Champions League football.

McCarthy only recently regained his place in the Saints’ starting XI after first-choice Gavin Bazunu ruptured his Achilles tendon last month, and he has impressed, helping his side book a place in the promotion play-offs.

Southampton played a goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion in the first-leg of the play-offs on Sunday, and the veteran will be desperate to keep another clean sheet and ensure they qualify for the final when they play the second-leg on Friday.

Celtic and co could be watching him in action, and manager Brendan Rodgers appears to be a fan of his style of play as he wants a goalie who is good with his feet and has once looked at signing him.

McCarthy also brings plenty of experience to the table and is capable of filling the shoes of Hart, and landing him for free will be huge for Celtic.

The Parkhead club are a point away from securing their 54th title and are already preparing for next season.

Rodgers will be keen to impress in Europe and is looking to make quality recruitment capable of massively improving his squad in the summer, and landing McCarthy will come in very much handy.

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