German club declares interest in Valletta's Temile

Valletta's Frank Temile is likely to pursue his career abroad next season after it emerged that a German club have tabled a formal bid to sign the Nigerian.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, Victor Sciriha, the Valletta president, confirmed that an approach for Temile has been received through his agent, Henry Ekezie.

Ekezie, a certified FIFA agent, is expected to travel to Germany this morning as there's a possibility that Temile's transfer will be concluded in the next few days.

The identity of Temile's suitors has been keep secret but sources had told The Times that a host of German clubs have expressed an interest in the precocious forward who was instrumental in Valletta's run to the league title last season.

Temile, who is reported to have passed a medical in Germany last week, was expected back in Malta at the weekend but has now postponed his return until tomorrow.

His potential departure would leave Valletta without any of the three foreign players they had last season.

Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo, the top scorer in the BOV Premier League with 19 goals, has agreed a two-year deal with Cypriot Division One club AEK Larnaca.

German midfielder Heiner Backhaus is seeking pastures new. He is believed to have offers to join clubs in Hong Kong and Northern Ireland.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg who is the subject of interest from clubs abroad. It is believed that Hogg was watched by representatives of a Norwegian club during Malta's 5-1 defeat to Austria in a friendly match last Friday.

Nwoko criticism

Ekezie yesterday voiced his disapproval for Malta coach Dusan Fitzel's criticism of Udo Nwoko's performance in Austria.

Fitzel tore into Nwoko over the latter's failure to follow his instructions against Austria and warned the Leixoes winger that his place in the squad would be under threat if he repeated Friday's performance in future matches.

Ekezie, who represents Nwoko, told The Times: "All players have an off day but I was negatively surprised about Fitzel's harsh comments about Nwoko's performance against Austria. The coach made it look as if Nwoko was the only one to blame for Malta's defeat and that is unfair on the player."