Watford and Sunderland are in talks regarding goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon.

It is believed that the Hornets are keen to provide stronger competition for number one Heurelho Gomes and want Romanian gloveman Pantilimon at Vicarage Road.

The former Manchester City man has fallen behind youngster Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone in the Black Cats pecking order and has been given permission to leave the Stadium of Light this month.

The Daily Mail indicates that 28-year-old Pantilimon is available on a free, however, the fact he is contracted with Sunderland until the summer of 2018 suggests there will be a fee involved.