Tarxien Rainbows set to tie up Frendo loan deal

Tarxien Rainbows are poised to sign Valletta winger Cleaven Frendo on loan until the end of the season.

Frendo, 24, was due to speak with Tarxien officials yesterday evening after Valletta reached an agreement with the Rainbows over the terms of the loan deal.

Having recently returned from a nine-month lay-off after having surgery on his knee cruciate ligaments, Frendo deemed that a short-term move away from Valletta would aid his efforts of playing first-team football in the second half of this season.

The former Pietà Hotspurs and Marsaxlokk midfielder needs regular first-team action to pep up his match sharpness and bolster his chances of earning a recall to the national squad.

Since completing his recovery from injury, Frendo has been limited to one cameo appearance in the league for Valletta where the competition for first-team places is fierce.

Keen to strengthen their squad and sustain their bid for a place in the Championship Pool, Tarxien were the first club to express an interest in Frendo who, for his part, has responded positively to their overtures.

Tarxien have a positive record when it comes to negotiating loan deals for Valletta players. Last summer, the Rainbows extended David Camilleri's loan for another season after the former Malta midfielder had first joined the Blues in January last year.

Justin Grioli is another Valletta player who is coveted by Tarxien coach Noel Coleiro but the latter facing stiff competition from Birkirkara who are also tracking the young flank defender.