Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy moved a step closer to sealing a move to QPR last night.

The 24-year-old was left out of the Royals squad for last night’s Capital One Cup tie at Scunthorpe United.

Reading manager Nigel Adkins had previously told reporters the keeper would start the match but he was not risked at Glanford Park.

In action: Alex McCarthy saves from Aaron O'Connor of Newport.

Rangers boss Harry Redknapp wants a long-term successor for Rob Green and McCarthy is the right age to take on the role.           

He has allowed Brazilian star Julio Cesar to leave for Benfica and expects to tie up a deal for McCarthy for a fee of around £6million.

McCarthy has one year left on his Royals contract and Adkins last week admitted he would have to consider selling if the price was right.

Lonely figure: Alex McCarthy sits in the dug out before last night's game at Scunthorpe.

“You’ve seen in this transfer window already that business is business," he told Get Reading.           

“That has to be considered and it’s fair to say in Alex and Adam [Federici] we have two outstanding keepers.

“For teams in the Championship, it’s always hard to have two keepers like that at this level.

Good stop: Alex McCarthy makes a save against Ipswich

“We’ll just have to wait to see what materialises."

McCarthy came through the academy at Reading and made his senior debut for the club in February 2011.

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our live blog.