Bogdanovic in Bulgaria to sort out future

Daniel Bogdanovic yesterday flew out to Bulgaria to discuss his future with cash-strapped ChernoMore Varna.

Bogdanovic, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with ChernoMore last January, after leaving a good impression during a trial, is looking to clear the uncertainty about his future with the Bulgarian club. The 23-year-old Yugoslav-born striker is owed money by ChernoMore who have run into financial difficulties after their president and owner Iliya Pavlov was murdered in March.

Bogdanovic, a Malta international with 12 caps, has been linked with a return to Maltese football. Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk are reported to be leading the chase for his services.

However, Bogdanovic cannot commit himself to another club before he secures his release. Contacted by The Times in Bulgaria, Bogdanovic said: "If there is no future for me at ChernoMore Varna, I believe it's better for both parties to go separate ways.

"ChernoMore have been given until July 9 to pay their players. If they fail to settle their dues before the deadline, the players, including myself, should get the federation's go-ahead to discuss with other clubs. However, I have decided to come to Bulgaria earlier in order to assess the situation more closely."

Sliema have made no secret of their ambitions to land the former Valletta striker but sources told The Times that Marsaxlokk have also approached his agent. The player said that Sliema and Marsaxlokk are among the clubs who have declared an interest in him.

Bogdanovic, who was granted dual citizenship after marrying a Maltese woman, confirmed his wish to join a local club next season.

"If things depended solely on me, I would join a Maltese club and spend another season in the Premier League. However, this situation is out of my control. The next few days are crucial," Bogdanovic said.

He is expected back on Thursday.

Marsaxlokk are seeking to snap up Bogdanovic to strengthen their hopes of a European spot next season. Victor Sciriha, the ambitious Marsaxlokk president, is working to bring in several recruitments for next season. He has already agreed terms with Marsa defender Nikolai Slavtchev and is close to conclude deals for Pietà's left-back Kevin Mamo and Charlò Magro, the Hamrun skipper.

Marsaxlokk, now under the charge of former Melita coach Robert Kelly, have also reached an agreement with Birkirkara to make Justin Tellus's move permanent. Similar talks have been held with Floriana over Richard Buhagiar who, like Tellus, spent last season on loan with the southern club.

The Marsaxlokk players were due to report for the start of their pre-season training yesterday evening. Melita players David Busuttil and Michael Martin and St Andrew's Steve Falzon are expected to train with Marsaxlokk in the next few weeks and will be offered a contract if they meet expectations.

Valletta to discuss licence issue

Stripes after new goalie

High-ranking officials from Valletta FC are expected to meet the members of the MFA Licensing Board to discuss their application for a licence. Valletta have been hit by a transfer ban after complaints over unpaid wages by former player John Buttigieg.

Sources said that talks between the Citizens and Nigerian striker Chris Oretan over a new contract have stalled. Valletta, who have appointed Atanas Marinov as their coach for the next two seasons, are expected to start their pre-season training tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Birkirkara are scouring the market to acquire a goalkeeper. Alex Camilleri, of St Patrick, is in the frame but initial discussions with the Division One club have failed to produce an agreement.

Hibs coach Robert Gatt was yesterday released from hospital where he was recovering from a head injury suffered in a freak accident during Saturday's Intertoto Cup match against Finland's Allianssi.

Gatt is expected to be fit to oversee the start of pre-season training in about two weeks' time.