Pantilimon, 24, impressed for FC Timisoara in last season's Europa League play-off against City.
City are thin in the goalkeeping department following the departure of Shay Given to Aston Villa and have only ex-Arsenal stopper Stuart Taylor in their squad as cover for Hart.
On his way: Costel Pantilimon (left) keeps out Man City's David Silva when playing for FC Timisoara in August 2010
Manager Roberto Mancini hopes to complete a deal for Pantilimon, who has 13 caps for Romania, before Sunday's Community Shield clash against Manchester United.
Pantilimon is highly-rated across Europe and has previously been linked with Inter Milan and West Brom this summer.
Romania's No 1: Pantilimon is highly rated across Europe
FC Timisoara, who finished second in the Romanian top flight this year, were relegated due to accumulated debts.
?CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEHe's at it again! City bad boy Balotelli caught up in training ground bust-up with KolarovAll the latest Man City news, features and opinion
Source: Daily Mail
