Sunderland have made Costel Pantilimon one of their top summer transfer targets, according to the Northern Echo.

The Romanian stopper is a free agen

t this summer after being released by champions Manchester City.

But Black Cats boss Gus Poyet has identified the 27-year-old as the perfect candidate to provide stiff competition for Vito Mannone at the Stadium of Light.

Pantilimon made just seven Premier League appearances for City last season and has had to play second fiddle to Joe Hart for a number of years at the Etihad.