Sliema win race to sign Briffa

Sliema Wanderers' unflinching efforts to capture midfielder Roderick Briffa have finally reaped dividends after they successfully wrapped up negotiations with Birkirkara for the Malta international's transfer.

Lengthy discussions between the two Premier League clubs, headed by Robert Arrigo and Victor Zammit, the respective presidents of Sliema and Birkirkara, yielded a breakthrough yesterday when the two parties reached an accord over the terms of Briffa's move to the Wanderers.

It is believed that Birkirkara made enquiries on the availability of a couple of Sliema players with a view to include them in the deal for Briffa. But last night sources told The Times that the two clubs are likely to agree on a straight cash deal.

"We are delighted with the successful conclusion of our bid to sign Roderick Briffa," Arrigo told The Times.

"With Briffa's arrival, our transfer campaign for season 2007-08 is almost complete. Sliema are always looking to make quality additions to the squad and Briffa has long been identified as one of the most talented players on the islands.

"We are happy that Briffa has chosen to play for Sliema."

Birkirkara president Zammit also confirmed to The Times that his club have struck a deal with Sliema for Briffa's transfer.

Briffa, who turns 26 tomorrow, has been at the centre of transfer speculation in the light of strong interest from Sliema and Valletta.

On their part, Birkirkara had initially resisted overtures for one of their most prized assets from two of their main rivals but their stance changed in the last two weeks when Briffa remained resolute that he wanted to move on.

Although Valletta had long indicated their desire to sign Briffa, the latter was known to favour a move to Sliema where he will be re-united with fellow Malta striker Etienne Barbara.

Birkirkara are also expected to finalise another long-drawn transfer saga this week. The Stripes are on the verge of sorting out terms with Marsaxlokk to exchange midfielder William Camenzuli with Shaun Bajada.

Clifton Ciantar joins Floriana on loan

Meanwhile, Floriana have reached an agreement with Sliema to sign Clifton Ciantar on loan for one season. Ciantar rejoins the club with whom he made a name for himself during the formative years of his career.

The 26-year-old will be hoping to secure a regular first-team berth at Floriana after falling behind in the pecking order at Sliema in the last two seasons.

The Greens, who will be undergoing a 15-day pre-season training camp in Novi Sad, Serbia, have also finalised talks with two foreign players.

Zoran Levnajic, a 20-year-old Serbian midfielder, and Yala Bolesie, an 18-year-old forward from England, have agreed one-year deals with Floriana.

New Floriana coach Danilo Doncic has also persuaded the club to engage the services of two young Serbian coaches, Aleksandar Rogic and Milos Basic, to form part of his technical staff.

It also transpired yesterday that Sliema and Valletta have yet to exchange documents following Stefan Giglio's move to the latter.

Giglio, 28, opted to rejoin the Citizens in June after a three-year spell with Sliema. He was on target in Valletta's 4-1 win over Marsaxlokk in a friendly match on Wednesday.