Sliema part with wantaway duo
Jorge close to joining Birkirkara as Hibernians step up interest for Jackson Lima
Sliema Wanderers have terminated the contracts of Jackson Lima and Jorge by mutual agreement.
The Brazilian duo’s exit from the Blues had been widely anticipated after they stopped training with the team and also lodged a request for their release at the Malta FA Players and Coaches’ Complaints Board, citing a breach of contract.
For a time, it looked as though the involved parties were heading for a protracted stand-off with the Premier League club vowing to challenge the claims made by Jackson Lima and Jorge but further discussions this week led to an amicable parting of ways.
News that Jorge and Jackson Lima had obtained their release from Sliema inevitably spurred their suitors to step up the chase of the Brazilians.
Sources last night told The Times that Jorge, 24, is on the verge of joining Birkirkara while Hibs have emerged as front-runners to sign the 29-year-old Jackson Lima.
The signing of a striker has been a top priority for the Stripes who have struggled to convert their possession into clearcut chances this season.
Coach Paul Zammit and Birkirkara officials, led by president Joe Zammit, acted swiftly in declaring their firm interest in Jorge who was also coveted by Qormi.
Hibs’ approach for Jackson Lima, who was linked with a move to Valletta last week, is motivated by their determination to improve the quality of their midfield with a view to sustaining their title challenge.
Meanwhile, Sliema have earmarked Valletta striker Alfred Effiong as an ideal replacement for Jorge.
It emerged that the two clubs have agreed on a player exchange deal involving Effiong and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.
While Mifsud Triganza has agreed personal terms with Valletta, Sliema were still engaged in talks with Effiong at the time of writing.
After tying up a deal with defender Saidou Madi Panandetiguiri, who was yesterday confirmed in Burkina Faso’s 23-man squad for the African Nations Cup, Valletta are now looking to strengthen their midfield options.
Argentine midfielder in Valletta trial
Antonio Esposito, Valletta FC’s newly-appointed director general, has recommended an Argentine midfielder who was due to start a trial with the champions yesterday evening.
Nahuel Pulitano Jimenez, 24, is currently on the books of ASD Citta di Marino, the Serie D club run by Italian Esposito.
According to reports, Jimenez has long been regarded as an exciting prospect but a delay in his application for an EU passport a few years back scuppered his chances of earning a move to a Serie B club.
Reports say he was considered to be “too good” for Serie D before the ambitious ASD Citta di Marino offered him a contract last season.
Elsewhere, Daniel Nwoke is in talks with Qormi FC to cancel his contract.
The Nigerian striker has been unable to reproduce the same scoring form he showed with Floriana since joining Qormi a few months ago.