"We will not stand in his way if right offer is received" - Arrigo

David Camilleri has sparked a frenzy of interest in football's January sales with no fewer than five Premier League clubs vying for his signature. Sliema Wanderers, the runaway Premier League leaders, hold the key to Camilleri's future as the player is still contracted to them.

The 28-year-old international midfielder has been linked with moves to a number of clubs, namely Valletta, Birkirkara, Pietà Hotspurs, Floriana and Marsaxlokk but little or nothing has been said about Sliema's stance on the issue.

Robert Arrigo, the Sliema Wanderers president, told The Times that his club were unwilling to discuss Camilleri's transfer but in view of the player's request to move on, Sliema will not stand in his way.

"David Camilleri will always be held in the highest of esteem at Sliema Wanderers," Arrigo said.

"We are very happy to have him in our squad and we want him to stay. David is not only a very good player, he is also a wonderful character to have in the dressing room. However, the player has filed a transfer request because he wants to play regular first-team football."

Arrigo, whose shrewd business nous has enabled Sliema to assemble arguably the strongest squad in the Premier League, while also cashing in on some of their former players, confirmed that several clubs have expressed interest in acquiring Camilleri but no official discussions have taken place with any of the player's suitors.

"There have been several requests for Camilleri and we did speak to some of the interested parties but that is as far we have got. As I said, the player wants a new challenge and I want to make it clear that he will be transferred on his own request and to any club of his own choice.

"However, people have to accept Camilleri is only available at a price. We have not even established a transfer fee, we are only telling clubs to calculate the sum according to Malta FA parameters because that is what we are entitled to, no more and no less," Arrigo said.

Birkirkara and Valletta are leading the chase for Camilleri who is believed to be keen on joining a club that are challenging for honours. Contacted by The Times yesterday, he would not divulge much information about his potential destination, saying that he is weighing up all options.

Valletta, beaten by Sliema 2-1 on Tuesday, are short of players in midfield, especially if Bulgarian Milen Penchev leaves the club to join Anorthosis Famagusta in Cyprus.

The Citizens were hoping to agree a part-exchange deal with Sliema Wanderers, involving their long-time skipper Kris Laferla, who is also adamant to part ways with Valletta, but Arrigo said that the Wanderers are not interested in a swap deal.

The Sliema chief did not rule out his club's interest in Laferla but insisted that they are not prepared to include the veteran midfielder in any deal for Camilleri.

Brincat injury

Meanwhile, Sliema midfielder Joe Brincat is expected to be out of action for up to four weeks after he aggravated a hamstring injury in last Tuesday's 2-1 defeat of Valletta. The 32-year-old international was substituted by Orosco Anonam 32 minutes into the game.

Birkirkara, who named Yugoslav striker Bojan Arsic in their squad for yesterday's Premier League match against Mosta, are still waiting for the arrival of an international midfielder from Ghana. According to a Birkirkara spokesman, Adamu Moro Tigana should land in Malta today.

Pietà Hotspurs are also expected to double their efforts to reinforce their squad in the coming weeks.

Italian recruit Giacomo Paniccia has already begun training with Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia's squad and he will most probably make his debut in the game against Valletta on January 18.

Farrugia is also keen on Floriana midfielder Claude Mattocks and Sliema's Camilleri and he has also identified the need to pep up his team's striking options.

Rabat Ajax forward William Borg, who was in the Malta U-21 squad when Farrugia was the coach, could well be another target for the Hotspurs.