Aston Villa are set to rival Nottingham Forest for the signing of Watford goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, reports claim.

The Romanian stopper spent the second half of last season on loan at Forest where he established himself as a key player in Aitor Karanka’s side.

It looked likely Pantilimon would turn his short-term switch into a permanent one after both he and Karanka spoke positively of each other during last season.

However, Villa now appear to have entered the race to sign the 31-year-old and are willing to take him away from Vicarage Road on loan.

Forest, meanwhile, would prefer a permanent move for a player who kept four clean sheets in 13 outings for them.

Either way, Pantilimon looks certain to depart WD18 this summer having fallen someway down the pecking order.

Orestis Karnezis and Heurelho Gomes shared number one duties last season and Watford also have Daniel Bachmann and Pontus Dahlberg on their books.

The Hornets may well look to sign a new stopper this summer, though, with Karnezis’ loan set to expire and the 37-year-old Gomes in the final year of his contract.

They have been linked with a move for Swansea City’s Lukasz Fabianski who is eager to secure a move back to the Premier League after the Welsh club’s relegation.

It is understood a fee of £5 million would be enough for Watford to secure the services of the Poland international.