---
title: "Pantilimon and Graham near the exit door"
canonical: "https://readsunderland.com/2016/01/19/pantilimon-graham-near-exit-door/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Chris Barrass"
section: "Articles"
published: "2016-01-19T15:12:17Z"
modified: "2016-01-19T15:12:17Z"
---

# Pantilimon and Graham near the exit door

Costel Pantilimon and Danny Graham are close to leaving the Black Cats this month, according to the [Sunderland Echo](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/latest-safc-news/safc-match-analysis/sunderland-afc-news-pantilimon-and-graham-set-to-leave-black-cats-ayew-blow-allardyce-reveals-target-1-7683554).

Goalkeeper Pantilimon, 28, started the season as first choice but has recently lost his place to youngster Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone – whom he ousted himself last season.

After failing to feature at all in the last three matchday squads, and with his wages being the highest of the three shot-stoppers, the Romanian now looks set to leave the club he joined on a free transfer 18 months ago. Watford and Espanyol are the favourites to sign the 6ft 8 goalie – with the Black Cats’ asking price believed to be around £4.5 million.

Graham, meanwhile, is set to join Blackburn Rovers on loan for the rest of the season. The Championship club has been keeping tabs on the 30-year-old throughout the window and the striker – who has just six months left on his Sunderland contract – is expected to leave this month.

![Paul Gilham/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/https://media.readsunderland.com/readsunderland/2016/01/504156036.jpg)

After joining from Swansea for £5 million in 2013, Gateshead-born Graham has scored just once for Sunderland in 30 league appearances – flicking in Jordi Gomez’s shot in the 2-0 victory at Goodison Park last season.

Should he be successful at Blackburn, he will be able to sign permanently for the club on a free transfer as he is in the closing stages of his contract.