23.07.2015 18:43 h

Palace sign McCarthy from QPR

Crystal Palace have signed former England Under-21 goalkeeper Alex McCarthy from QPR, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

McCarthy agreed a four-year contract with Palace, who are reported to have paid around £3.5 million for the ex-Reading player, who will compete with Argentine veteran Julian Speroni to be the Eagles' first-choice keeper.

The 25-year-old, who made three Premier League appearances for QPR last season, told Palace's website: "When I first heard about Palace's interest I was excited because I really wanted to be back in the Premier League.

"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."

McCarthy was called up to Roy Hodgson's England squad in May 2013 for friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil, but has yet to make his full international debut.

He becomes Alan Pardew's third close-season signing following the capture of France midfielder Yohan Cabaye from Paris Saint Germain and the arrival of young Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford on a season-long loan.