Liverpool reportedly failed in a last-minute attempt to hijack Alex McCarthy's move to Queens Park Rangers.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper left Reading to sign a four-year contract at Loftus Road on Friday, after a reported £2m fee had been agreed between the two clubs.

Sky Sports News claims that Liverpool were also interested in acquiring the former England Under-21 international, but McCarthy was already undergoing his medical with QPR when the Reds made their move.

Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers is looking for backup to first-choice stopper Simon Mignolet after allowing long-serving Spaniard Pepe Reina to join German champions Bayern Munich on loan.

McCarthy will compete with Robert Green for the number-one jersey at Rangers.