Licari coveted by leading clubs

Malcolm Licari has emerged as one of the most-sought players in the transfer market as leading Premier League clubs are eager to snap up his services.

The 25-year-old Licari has been a fixture in the Pietà Hotspurs team since he came to attention in the mid-90s but he is believed to be eyeing a move to one of the so-called heavyweights of Maltese football.

A spokesman for Valletta confirmed their interest in Licari who is also courted by Birkirkara.

Licari's contract with Pietà expired at the end of the season, meaning that he is entitled to move to any club that is prepared to pay his transfer fee according to parameters set by the Malta FA.

Contacted by The Times, Edward Schembri, the Pietà Hotspurs president, said they have not been approached by anyone over Licari despite persistent rumours that the top clubs are interested in him.

Schembri confirmed that Pietà had agreed terms with Sliema Wanderers for the transfer of 26-year-old Jamie Pace but the deal has yet to be sealed.

According to Schembri, his club are currently devoting their energies to lure sponsors to their fold. Farsons have already agreed to become one of their commercial partners for the next three years.