Luke Dimech is poised to make a return to Maltese football after agreeing terms to join Premier League club Marsaxlokk.

The 29-year-old Malta defender has been on Marsaxlokk's wanted list for a long time but negotiations really took off in the last few weeks after Dimech ended his one-year spell with English League Two club Chester.

Contacted by The Times, Mar-saxlokk official Peter Hartshorne confirmed the conclusion of talks with Dimech who is expected to sign a one-year deal in the coming days.

Keen to improve on their third-place finish last season, Marsa-xlokk, now under the tutelage of English manager Brian Talbot, are seeking to strengthen their squad with a couple of quality signings.

Apart from Dimech, they are also chasing the signature of Justin Haber.

Sliema Wanderers are also interested in the Malta goalkeeper, who last week underwent a trial with English Premier League club Sheffield United. However, the former Birkirkara netminder has set his heart on a move abroad.

Last season, the 25-year-old Haber played for French club US Quevilly.

Doncic player-coach

Serbian striker Danilo Doncic, formerly of Sliema Wanderers, has been appointed player-coach of Division One club San Gwann.

The 36-year-old Doncic, one of the most prolific scorers in Premier League history, had talks with a couple of top-flight clubs but the challenge of starting his coaching career while still playing led to his acceptance of San Gwann's interesting offer.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Vella, formerly of Zebbug, Naxxar Lions and Tarxien Rainbows, is set to join Premier League club Pietà Hotspurs.

Msida sign new players

Premier League club Msida St Joseph have succeeded in signing three new players for the 2006-2007 season, Manuel Bartolo, Luke Vella Critien and Stacey Vella, all from San Gwann.

Goalkeeper Bartolo, 24, has now signed a long-term contract with the club after a positive loan period. Vella Critien, 20, and Vella, 19, both defenders, join Msida until the end of this season.

Msida will play two friendlies next week at the Hibs Ground - vs Birkirkara and Mosta.

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