Crystal Palace sign Alex McCarthy from QPR

Having been heavily linked with us and a reported £3.5million move in recent days, he now joins us on a four year deal for an officially undisclosed sum.

He found chances limited at Loftus Road behind Rob Green, and made only three Premier League appearances for the relegated side.

The former England Under-21 worldwide was delighted to make the move to Selhurst Park, and told his new club’s official website www.cpfc.co.uk: “I’m over the moon”.

Palace have activated McCarthy’s buy-out clause, following QPR’s relegation from the Premier League last season.

Barry Bannan has not gone on Crystal Palace’s pre-season trip to South Africa – and is likely to be on his way out of Selhurst Park.

McCarthy made 75 appearances for Reading after joining as a 16-year-old, making his debut in February 2011. He was called up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad in May 2013 for the friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

He went on to say that every time he’s played against Palace in his career the “atmosphere” has been brilliant so he knows what to expect from our ‘passionate fans.’. He becomes Alan Pardew’s third summer signing following the capture of France midfielder Yohan Cabaye and the arrival of striker Patrick Bamford on a season-long loan move from Chelsea.