Watford goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon is edging closer to a permanent move to Nottingham Forest after a successful loan spell last season, according to Football London.
The Romanian shot stopper spent the second half of last season on loan at Forest, where he made 13 appearances at the City Ground.
He was Forest’s first choice goalkeeper during his spell in Nottingham, keeping out Stefanos Kapino in the process.
Forest had been locked in battle with Aston Villa to sign Pantilimon, but it appears that the 6ft 8in has opted for a move to the East Midlands.
Defeat to Fulham in the Playoff final saw the Villains miss out on a big payday, and they have been forced to cut costs since.
Steve Bruce may now be forced to dip his toe in to the loan market once again in order to find his number one for next season.
Aitor Karanka has already made 4 acquisitions to the Forest squad this summer, and Pantilimon looks set become the 5th new arrival at the City Ground.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper impressed the former Middlesbrough boss during his stint with the club last season.
Karanka is aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for the Playoffs next campaign, after many years of mediocrity and disappointment in Nottingham.
Despite talks still ongoing, the Romanian looks set to complete a move to the Reds.
Pantilimon is taking a wage cut to join Forest but he will be playing first team football one again, and will be hoping to mount a Playoff push with his new side.
