Grima move on hold as Pace seeks return to Pietà

The on-and-off loan transfer saga involving unsettled Sliema Wanderers midfielder Massimo Grima and Sharlon Pace, of Valletta, took a new twist yesterday.

Grima reported for his first training session with Valletta yesterday as his loan move was all but sealed. However, Pace, who was poised to move in the opposite direction, has now set his heart on a return to Pietà Hotspurs.

All was set for Pace to sign for Sliema till the end of this season but then he changed his mind.

He said: "I am flattered by Sliema's interest and I want to thank president Robert Arrigo for his support but after a thorough evaluation I thought a move to Pietà would suit me better.

"Sliema have a great squad but my first-team chances there would have been limited," Pace said.

Arrigo confirmed that Pace has informed them of his intentions to join Pietà and this has put Grima's move to Valletta on hold.

"It has not been finalised yet as now we have to reconsider our position," Arrigo said. "Grima will not go without some sort of compensation."

A spokesman for Valletta also confirmed that Pace is likely to join Pietà. However, he was also confident that Pace's imminent departure to the Hotspurs would not affect Grima's move to Valletta.

Malta trial for Wellman

Steve Wellman, the forward-turned-defender at Floriana, has been summoned for a trial period with the national team.

Wellman's performances in his new role seem to have impressed national coaches Horst Heese and Carmel Busuttil who were present for Sunday's 1-1 draw between Floriana and Pietà.