AEK Larnaca agree loan deal for Valletta's Hogg

Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg is the subject of firm interest from Cypriot club AEK Larnaca.

The 23-year-old Malta international, voted best goalkeeper in the 2007/08 Premier League at the recently-announced Malta Football Awards, has a good chance of linking up with former Valletta team-mate Sebastian Monesterolo at AEK Larnaca after the latter reached a verbal agreement with the Citizens to sign Hogg on a season-long loan.

Contacted yesterday, Victor Sciriha, the Valletta FC president, confirmed to The Times that his club have agreed in principle to transfer Hogg to AEK Larnaca on loan for one year but said the paperwork had not been signed yet.

"Valletta have had discussions with AEK Larnaca for the transfer of Andrew Hogg," Sciriha said. "The two clubs have reached an accord, verbally, for Hogg to join AEK Larnaca on loan for one year with an option of making the move permanent, but the deal has yet to be finalised."

Signed from Pietà last summer, Hogg played a decisive role in Valletta's title success last season. His performances immediately triggered reports of potential interest from foreign clubs and last month, speculation was rife that a Nor-wegian club were keen to sign Hogg.

At one time, Bulgarian club Lokomotiv Sofia, who recently added ex-Floriana coach Danilo Doncic to their technical staff, were also considering an approach for Hogg but they failed to make a concrete offer.

AEK Larnaca have now emerged as favourites to capture Hogg who had a spell with Italian club Bari in the early years of his career.

With Valletta having already begun their pre-season training ahead of their Champions League commitments next month, Hogg's imminent departure would leave the Citizens facing a desperate search for a new goalkeeper or possibly two, given that Saviour Darmanin wants to move on.

Justin Haber, Hogg's main rival for the no.1 spot with the national team, is likely to be sounded out by Valletta, although the former Marsaxlokk netminder's first preference is to continue his career abroad. A few weeks ago, Haber told The Times that Larissa, who play in Greece's top division, had talks with his club Haidari about the possibility of signing him.

Alternatively, Valletta coach Paul Zammit may look to bring in a foreign goalkeeper if Hogg completes his move to Larnaca.