COSTEL PANTILIMON has left Sunderland in order to sign a three-and-a-half year contract with Watford.

Pantilimon leaves the Stadium of Light for what is understood to have been a minimal fee after Sam Allardyce deemed him surplus to requirements following Jordan Pickford's return from a loan spell at Preston.

The Romania international joined Sunderland as a free agent in July 2014 following the end of his previous contract at Manchester City.

He made 49 senior appearances for the Black Cats, and there are unconfirmed suggestions that another outing may have resulted in an improved deal on Wearside.

He started the majority of Sunderland's matches last season, and played in the opening 17 Premier League games of the current campaign before losing his place to Vito Mannone for the Boxing Day game at Manchester City.

With his move having gone through this afternoon, Pantilimon is expected to be part of the Watford squad that will face Newcastle United on Saturday.

A short statement on the Black Cats' website said: "Sunderland AFC would like to thank Costel and wish him the very best for the future at his new club."