Brincat set to join Floriana on loan

Mauro Brincat's imminent move from Hamrun Spartans to Floriana could become the first major local transfer deal of the month.

A Floriana FC spokesman last night told The Times that agreement is close to be reached for the Malta U-21 international to shift from Division One to the Premier League on loan until the end of the season.

Brincat, 20, is a Hamrun product. If the move is completed it will be the first time in his career to play for a different team after coming through from the Spartans' nursery. Last summer, Brincat was linked with a move to Birkirkara and Valletta but the transfer failed to materialise as Hamrun decided to hold on to their talented midfielder.

Meanwhile, Floriana's efforts to replace Brazilian Edoardo do Nascimento with a Nigerian forward have proved futile so far.

Preliminary talks have already been held but visa problems are blocking the player from reaching the island until travel documents are issued from the UK where he started playing this season.

Holland released

Jonathan Holland, the former Floriana skipper now residing in the UK, was yesterday released by the club.

The move paves the way for Holland, 26, to complete his transfer with non-league club Bradford Park Avenue.

Bradford Park Avenue, coached by Carl Shutt, formerly of Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday, play in the Nationwide North championship.

At present, they are 21st in the 22-team division with 15 points from 20 matches. Southport lead the standings with 39 points.