Spartans set to accept Stripes' bid for Brincat

Hamrun Spartans midfielder Mauro Brincat could complete his switch to Birkirkara early next week.

Antoine Attard, president of Hamrun, told The Times that the majority of the members on the Spartans' committee have in principle agreed to the 19-year-old Brincat's move to Birkirkara but a final decision will be made next week.

"The majority of the committee are in favour of allowing Brincat to join Birkirkara," Attard said.

"However, since a few members are still opposing Brincat's transfer, the matter will be discussed again next week. The final decision on whether Brincat joins Birkirkara or not will be made after a vote is taken on the issue."

Attard is confident that the transfer prohibition imposed on Hamrun by the MFA will be cleared before the end of the month.

"We have made a few enquiries in our bid to strengthen the squad," Attard said.

"Our policy of investing in our youth players has not changed. We have several talented players in the senior squad, the likes of Ryan Fenech and Josef and Johan Briffa, who have great potential and have aroused the interest of other Premier League clubs"

Graham Bencini, 25, is also poised to leave the Spartans in the coming days. Bencini is said to have reached an agreement with the Spartans over his release. Sliema Wanderers, his former club, are favourites to land his signature.

Meanwhile, Pietà have received the international clearance certificate of Cameroon striker Alain Ekwe. The 22-year-old forward joined the Hotspurs for his first training session on Wednesday and is set to become their third foreign player, filling the void left by fellow countryman Fransis Omam who has been released.

Last night Valletta announced that they completed the loan transfer of 27-year-old midfielder Keith Fenech to Pietà for the rest of the season.

Both Ekwe and Fenech are expected to make their debut for Pietà in Sunday's clash against Floriana at the Tedesco Stadium.

Valletta and Sliema Wanderers have briefly discussed a player-exchange deal involving Sharlon Pace and Massimo Grima.

The unsettled Sliema midfielder is attracting interest from several clubs, including Birkirkara and his former club Pietà, but it emerged yesterday that the Blues were prepared to loan him to Valletta in exchange for Pace.

It remains to be seen whether the players touted in this proposal will give their nod.