Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy agreed to a new deal last year on the condition he would be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, according to The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Bazunu’s arrival

Towards the beginning of the summer transfer window, the south-coast outfit announced the signing of Gavin Bazunu from Manchester City – a highly rated 20-year-old shot-stopper who has already amassed ten caps for the Republic of Ireland national team.

Having spent last season on loan with in League One with Portsmouth, with whom he made 46 appearances, the keeper must have made an instant impression upon his arrival at Southampton, with manager Ralph Hasenhuttl having played him in every Premier League game so far this season.

The Latest: McCarthy’s contract

According to a report by The Athletic, McCarthy agreed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with Saints in August of last year on the condition that he would be the first-choice goalkeeper going forward.

However, it appears Hasenhuttl has already gone back on his word with the 32-year-old, whom he has previously labelled as 'fantastic', as he has made just one appearance all season, which came in the EFL Cup.

It is reported that McCarthy’s new salary at Southampton, thought to be £50,000-a-week, reflects his supposed position at the club.

The Verdict: Could he leave?

According to The Athletic, the 32-year-old has been ‘amazing’ in his support of the 20-year-old Bazunu at St Mary’s.

But with McCarthy’s obvious desire to play as much first-team football as possible, it could be suggested that if another Premier League team or a similar-sized club from abroad came in for him, he would leap at the chance to become a no.1 elsewhere.