Agius to fly out to Sweden for talks over short-term move

Gilbert Agius is expected to fly out to Sweden on Monday for discussions with a second division club who have expressed a bold interest in signing the Valletta and Malta captain until the end of their domestic season.

The 33-year-old midfielder-cum-forward last week sorted out personal terms with Valletta over a new four-year contract but as reported in The Times on June 28, a foreign club had sounded out Agius about joining them on a short-term contract.

Well-placed sources yesterday told The Times that Agius has made up his mind to travel to Sweden after receiving an official invitation from Enköpings SK, who ply their trade in the Swedish second division league, for talks over a potential move.

These are indeed exciting times for Agius. Last week, the City talisman set a new milestone in the history of local football when he became the first player to win the much-coveted MFA Footballer of the Year award for a third time.

Agius's coronation as the association's top performer for last season came only weeks after he made his 101st appearance for Malta in the 1-0 away defeat to Bosnia Herzegovina in a Euro 2008 Group C qualifier.

The darling of the City fans, Agius's decision to ink a new four-year deal with Valletta was endorsed by his admirers who want their captain to see out his career with his home club.

Agius, who had a short, unhappy spell with Italian club Pisa a few years back, is still intent on spending the next four years of his professional career with the Citizens but he is also thrilled by the prospect of having another spell overseas, albeit a short one, as the Swedish season ends in October.

Meanwhile, Valletta officials, namely president Victor Sciriha and secretary Anton Abela, yesterday had another series of meetings with some of the club's new signings as well as other players whose contracts expired at the end of last season.

Keith Fenech yesterday committed himself to the Citizens for another four years. The 31-year-old industrious midfielder was out of contract but discussions with the Citizens hierarchy were concluded swiftly as the two parties reached agreement on a new four-year deal.

Most of the activity at Valletta has been inward but on Wednesday night, the Citizens completed their first piece of outward business after agreeing to transfer Sharlon Pace to Sliema Wanderers.

The 27-year-old Pace was known to be eager to secure a permanent move to Sliema where he enjoyed a positive one-year loan spell last season.

The former Gzira and Pietà utility player is now expected to pen a long-term contract with the Wanderers who have already snapped up Ian Azzopardi from Floriana and Matthew Bartolo from Hibs.

In Division One, Nigerian striker Chima Dozie has joined Qormi. Dozie, who played for Senglea Athletics last season, was a target for a host of Division One clubs but Qormi have won the race for his signature. Next season, Qormi will be coached by Jesmond Zerafa.