Barbara edges closer to Sliema move

Etienne Barbara is today expected to put the finishing touches on his move from Birkirkara to Sliema Wanderers.

The 25-year-old's switch to the Blues is regarded as imminent in the light of the announcement by Birkirkara and Sliema on Friday that they had reached agreement over his transfer.

Over the weekend, Barbara was in regular contact with high-ranking Sliema officials as the two parties negotiated the terms of the contract.

Well-placed sources have told The Times that Barbara yesterday gave his nod to Sliema after agreeing personal terms with the club.

Barbara is set to become Sliema's fourth signing this summer, joining Ian Azzopardi, Matthew Bartolo and Sharlon Pace who have signed long-term deals with the Wanderers in the close season.

The Malta forward is considered as one of the most powerful attacking players in local football and was central to Birkirkara's second Premier League title in season 2005-2006. However, Barbara's standing within Birkirkara's clan began to wane last season amidst the team's struggles to find the form and consistency which propelled them to the league title the previous season.

Only days after the end of the 2006-2007 league campaign, it became clear that Barbara had no future at Birkirkara after the club made public their decision to put him and three other first-squad players on the transfer list.

Sliema have been keen to sign Barbara for a number of years but they took their time before making an official bid for the striker who is expected to ink a two-year deal.

Sources have told The Times that Barbara did not rush into making a decision on his future as he was awaiting trial invitations from a couple of Croatian clubs. Earlier this year, Barbara went to Croatia where he had a trial with Rijeka.

Meanwhile, Sliema are still waiting to complete the signing of Branko Nisevic. The Serbian defender, who has applied for Maltese citizenship, has a verbal agreement to rejoin the Wanderers but is still in talks with Valletta over his release.

The Wanderers, who face Bulgaria's Litex Lovech in their UEFA Cup first qualifying round, first leg match on Thursday, are also expected to intensify their efforts to recruit a new foreigner this week.

The rumour-mill had Sliema as favourites to win the race for Ibrahim Babatunde up to 10 days ago but the Nigerian striker is unlikely to return to Maltese football after linking up with Turkish club Galatasaray.

Repuh interest

It is still unclear whether Babatunde has signed for Galatasaray, as reported in other sections of the local media, or whether he went there for a trial.

Sources have told The Times that Sliema are mulling over an offer for Bosnian Senad Repuh. The veteran midfielder impressed during a one-year spell with Pietà three seasons ago and is currently on the books of FK Sarajevo, the opponents of Marsaxlokk in the Champions League.

Valletta are also engaged in efforts to sign a foreign player. The Citizens are awaiting the arrival of a player, reportedly from a South American country, for a trial in the coming days.

Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo is due to arrive in Malta today ahead of the start of his second stint with Valletta while German midfield Heiner Backhaus has already started to train with the Whites.

Hamrun Spartans, who have been promoted to the Premier League as Division One champions, are close to signing former goalkeeper Sean Sullivan who was on the books of Birkirkara last season.

Nigerian midfielder Essien Mbong, best remembered for his long spell with Premier League side Hibernians, has joined Tarxien Rainbows.

Andrew Decesare, Luke Vella Critien, Ramon Schembri and Ryan Grech will also play for the Division One outfit next season.