Royals keeper joins Leeds on loan

Reading keeper Alex McCarthy has joined fellow Championship side Leeds United on an emergency one-month loan deal, with Brian McDermott revealing he turned down offers from League One clubs.

Leeds boss Simon Grayson was in the market for a new keeper after first choice stopper Andy Longeran ficked up a finger injury keeping him out for a month.

Back up goalkeeper Paul Rachukba will act as back up to McCarthy due to his poor performance against Blackpool in midweek as they lost 5-0, with the keeper being subbed at half-time.

Simon Grayson told the official LUFC site: ‘I’d like to thank Brian McDermott for allowing Alex to come to us. They are keen for him to play games and hopefully his loan spell here will help with his development.’

McCarthy is an England U21 international and has made 16 appearances for the Royals, only losing in one of those games. He also put in a man of the match performance against Leeds last season when we drew 0-0.

McDermott has had his say on the matter and told the RFC official site: “It has been unfortunate for Alex because in him, Mikkel Andersen and Adam Federici we have three number one keepers.”

Reading also have the option to recall the keeper from his loan spell but it is unlikely this clause will need to be triggered.