Done Deal: Watford complete signing of Costel Pantilimon from Sunderland

The Echo broke the news on Monday night that the giant Romanian was being tracked by the Hornets, with interest from Spanish side Espanyol too.

And Watford have today confirmed they have secured his signature, with Pantilimon joining for an undisclosed fee.

The Romanian international moved to Sunderland in July 2014 from Manchester City.

He made 49 appearances for the Black Cats during his time at the club.

A club statment read: “Sunderland AFC would like to thank Costel and wish him the very best for the future at his new club.”

Pantilimon had fallen downt he pecking order at the Stadium of Light after the return to the club of Jordan Pickford.

The England Under-21 international was in goal against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, with Vito Mannone on the bench.

Pantilimon’s time on Wearside was clearly up and Watford have moved to sign him.

A Watford statement said: “The 28-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Watford and arrives for an undisclosed fee from fellow Premier League side Sunderland.

“A Romanian international, the keeper featured 49 times after joining the Black Cats in the summer of 2014, including 18 outings during the first half of this season.

“He had previously spent three years at Manchester City, where the 6ft 8in stopper played 29 times following a £3m move from Romanian outfit Politehnica Timişoara.”