Malta international defender Andrei Agius will continue the 2010/11 season in the BOV Premier League after agreeing a loan move to Birkirkara yesterday.

The Malta champions stepped up their chase of Agius over the past 10 days and talks between officials from the Premier League club and the player’s representatives reached a positive conclusion yesterday.

Agius is expected to complete his loan switch to Birkirkara tomorrow.

The 24-year-old has never had a sustained spell in Malta’s top flight as he left the country to sign for his first overseas club, Serbia’s Zemun, when he was still 16.

Agius joined AS Melfi at the start of the season but the Italian side are looking to offload some of their senior personnel this month to reduce their wage bill and make space for younger players.

In the past few weeks, Agius had a trial with Serie B outfit Triestina and was part of their squad which featured in a triangular tournament against Valletta and Qormi at the National Stadium.

Marsaxlokk left-back Carlo Mamo, who had a positive short-term loan spell with Birkirkara last season, is also being tracked by the Stripes who are also in advanced talks to sign a Brazilian striker.

Meanwhile, Finnish striker Shpat Qerimi, who also holds Albanian nationality, is expected to begin a trial with Valletta today.

The 21-year-old Qerimi, who is currently on the books of Croatian top-division club RNK Split, was due to arrive here yesterday ahead of his trial with the Citizens.

The Premier League leaders, whose 2-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows on Sunday took tem 12 points clear at the top, are looking to boost their attacking options during the winter transfer window.

Apart from regular forward Terrence Scerri, Ian Zammit and Nigerian Joseph Okonkwo are the other two recognised strikers in the Valletta squad but both have been unable to break into the first team so far this season.

Valletta have also expressed an interest in Padova striker Alberto Filippini who is reportedly keen to seek pastures new after falling down the pecking order at the Serie B outfit.

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