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Report: Aston Villa eager to sign Watford goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon on loan

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 03 June 2018

Championship playoff finalists Aston Villa reportedly want to sign goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon on loan from Premier League side Watford next season.

Aston Villa have drawn up plans to make a loan move for Watford goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, according to reports.

The 31-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa's Championship rivals Nottingham Forest and impressed during his time at the City Ground.

Pantilimon is reportedly deemed surplus to requirements at Vicarage Road, however, with Heurelho Gomes firmly first choice.

The Romania international fell behind loanee Orestis Karnezis in the Watford pecking order last season, while the Hornets also have young Austrian stopper Daniel Bachmann on their books.

According to The Sun, Villa are looking to bolster their goalkeeping department after Manchester United loanee Sam Johnstone returned to his parent club.

Mark Bunn has been back-up to Johnstone for the past 18 months, while Jed Steer missed the second half of the last campaign through injury.

Pantilimon has also turned out for Manchester City, Sunderland and Politehnica Timisoara.