Birkirkara complete Pulo's transfer

Birkirkara yesterday completed the signing of Karl Pulo from Pietà Hotspurs.

The Stripes, who produced two gallant performances in their Europa League first qualifying round match against Croatia's Slaven Belupo, have been scouring the market in search of reinforcements.

Coach Paul Zammit has identified a host of transfer targets and Pulo, a Malta U-21 international, was on his wishlist.

Pulo is Birkirkara's second signing this summer after Dutch forward Sylvano Comvalius, who was on the books of Ħamrun Spartans, joined the Stripes on a two-year deal earlier this month.

Pulo played in Division One last season following Pietà Hotspurs' relegation from the Premier League in 2007-08. The Hotspurs failed in their bid to win promotion back to the top flight but Pulo has now secured another crack at Premier League football following his switch to Birkirkara.

Zammit has also reportedly intensified his efforts to finalise a deal for Msida St Joseph defender Tyrone Farrugia and is also keen on signing an experienced goalkeeper, moreso after Bernard Paris moved to Floriana on loan for one year.

Francesco Maiorani, a young Italian goalkeeper who came through the youth ranks of Roma, had a trial with Birkirkara last week but Zammit wants to have a look at other candidates before making a final decision.

Nemanja Vukanac, a Serbian defender, is still training with Birkirkara but has not been offered a contract yet.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Monesterolo has opted to pursue his career in India where he has teamed up with Kingfisher East Bengal.

Monesterolo spent the second half of last season on loan with Valletta, his third spell with the Citizens, but he failed to make the desired impact and his contract was not renewed. The Argentine striker joined up with his new team-mates last week ahead of their pre-season training camp.

Valletta yesterday announced that tickets for Thursday's much-awaited second leg of their Europa League second qualifying round match against Irish team St Patrick's can be purchased from L-Amerikan shop in Republic Street.

The Citizens have high hopes of going through to the third qualifying round of the Europa League after gaining an admirable 1-1 draw in the away leg last week. Thursday's second leg will be played at the Centenary Stadium.

Sliema Wanderers, who drew 0-0 with Maccabi Netanya in the home leg of their Europa League second qualifying round match, will leave for Israel this afternoon.

Josef Mifsud is suspended for Thursday's game after seeing red in last week's goalless stalemate but he has been included in Sliema's travelling party.

Veteran midfielder Noel Turner has been added to the squad as coach Stephen Azzopardi will take 19 players to Netanya.