Nottingham Forest outcast Costel Pantilimon could be set for a return to his native Romania, as the manager of Rapid Bucuresti has expressed a desire to work with him.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper is currently on loan at Omonia Nicosia, in Cyprus, having not been part of Sabri Lamouchi’s plans at the City Ground.
Pantilimon was first-choice for the Reds last season but was not involved in the first-team set-up this term and headed out on loan in January.
It is likely he will find himself free to move on this summer, and Rapid boss Dan Alexa has made it clear he dreams of signing the shot-stopper - although he admits his wages could prove an issue.
“I would really like him. I would really like to be able to work with him,” Alexa told Telekom Sport.
“He is an exceptional goalkeeper.”
Currently in Romania’s second tier, Rapid are aiming for promotion - and Alexa believes Pantilimon would fit in perfectly if they get there.
“He is a goalkeeper above the level of League 1,” he added. “He is a boy with a lot of modesty. A boy with an exceptional character.
“Who wouldn’t want Pantilimon as a student?”
“If Rapid are promoted, sure. But it’s hard for me to believe we can bring him. Even if he is in Cyprus, he has a very good salary.”
It seems the feeling is mutual.
The pair were teammates at Politehnica Timisoara, in Romania, and Pantilimon has said he would also like to link up with Alexa.
“I would work with Dan all the time,” Telekom quote him as saying.
“I remember the time when he played. I know how passionate he was about the coaching job.
“Many times I won matches through his decisions on the field.”
He added: “Indeed, I always said that I will not refuse a return to the country.
“If it were up to me, I would like the team from Timisoara to be rebuilt, to have a healthy project again.
“I would really like many of those who performed then to come back and get the club back on its feet. I would very much like this.”
