Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are the two Championship clubs linked with Watford goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon.
Nottingham Forest appeared to solve their goalkeeping problems in the winter when they snapped up both Costel Pantilimon and Stefanos Kapino without spending a penny.
The former arrived on loan from Watford and impressed between the sticks for a side previously renowned for conceding goals at an alarming rate. And Kapino, who signed on a free after being released by Olympiakos, came with a big reputation having established himself in the Greece national team.
But could Forest now be back to square one? Because it seems that both Pantilimon and Kapino could leave this summer.
Therefore, keeping Pantilimon at the City Ground has just become essential. The Mirror stated on 22March (page 62) that Forest wanted the 6ft 8ins Romanian on a permanent deal but Aston Villa, who are looking for a cheap replacement for the departing Sam Johnstone, have suddenly thrown their hat into the ring according to the Sun (3 June, page 59).
But Pantilimon looked like Forest’s most reliable ‘keeper in years during his short-lived spell as the club’s number one, and signing the former Sunderland and Manchester City man should now be Aitor Karanka’s number one priority.
Reports of Kapino’s potential exit only make a deal for Pantilimon even more important.
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