Floriana strike deal to sign powerhouse Farrugia

Premier League club Floriana have finalised talks to sign two promising players, Tyrone Farrugia and Sheldon Grech, from Msida St Joseph and Pietà Hotspurs respectively.

Farrugia had been widely expected to earn a move outside the country this summer.

The Malta U-21 captain travelled to eastern Europe for discussions with an unnamed Russian club but the transfer failed to materialise.

Farrugia, 21, is a versatile player who was also the subject of interest from champions Birkirkara. He played in different positions for Msida last season and scored seven goals despite being deployed mostly in defence or a holding midfielder.

However, Farrugia, who burst onto the Premier League scene when still a teenager, was unable to save Msida from relegation in a dismal season for the Saints who were also deducted 10 points for infringing rules on backdated payments to former players and ex-coach Patrick Curmi.

Grech is a product of Pietà Hotspurs and a member of the Malta U-19 squad.

Last season, the 20-year-old midfielder was an automatic choice in a young Pietà team that retained its Division One status after winning a decider against St Patrick.

Earlier this week, Floriana, now under the charge of Bulgarian coach Todor Raykov, expressed an interest in signing veteran Sliema midfielder Ivan Woods but official talks between the two clubs have yet to begin.

This summer, the Greens, led by new president Johan Said, have already signed Manolito Micallef on loan from Ħamrun Spartans and their technical team are assessing a number of overseas players, including a goalkeeper from Tunisia, a forward from Gambia and two Bulgarian players, who are having a trial during the pre-season build-up.