Birkirkara have intensified their efforts to sign Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza from Sliema Wanderers after he declared his willingness to rejoin the Stripes.
As the January transfer window enters its final 12 days, local clubs have stepped up attempts to fine-tune their squads ahead of the second part of the season.
Mifsud Triganza has emerged as one of the most coveted Maltese players during the current window.
Sliema and Birkirkara have been discussing a player-exchange deal involving striker Mifsud Triganza and winger Trevor Cilia but the two clubs have yet to reach agreement.
It is believed that Cilia fancies a new challenge with the Wanderers after struggling to recapture his best form with the Stripes in the last 18 months.
The same applies for Mifsud Triganza who has already told Sliema that he wants to return to Birkirkara but the Wanderers are determined to negotiate the best possible deal for the 30-year-old.
Although Sliema are very interested in Cilia, they don’t see him as an ideal replacement for Mifsud Triganza as he normally plays as a winger.
Mifsud Triganza’s departure would leave the Wanderers short of strike power, moreso after they parted ways with Brazilian Jorge Santos Silva who has since secured a move to Birkirkara.
Informed sources also told The Times that Cilia and Mifsud Triganza are also believed to be attracting interest from Floriana.
Sliema could also turn their attentions to Michel Bertrand Maki Mvondo, the Cameroon striker who is no longer in Mosta’s plans following the arrival of Obinna Obiefule from Marsa-xlokk.
Brazilian striker David Silva, who had a short spell with Birkirkara last summer, and a Dutch forward were also expected to start a trial with Sliema yesterday.
Danilo Doncic, the Sliema coach, had initially set his sights on Alfred Effiong but the Nigerian forward has opted to stay with Valletta.
Meanwhile, another two foreign players arrived yesterday to start a trial with Valletta.
Andrea Scozzese, an Italian defender, and Miha Robic, a young Slovenian striker, are expected to train for the first time with the Citizens this evening.
Both Scozzese and Robic are on the books of Italian Serie D club Marino which is run by Antonio Esposito, Valletta FC’s newly-appointed director general.
Esposito is working hand-in-hand with Mauro Di Lello, the former Sliema and Pietà Hotspurs defender, after both established close links with Valletta FC president Victor Sciriha in the past few months.
Valletta already have a host of foreign players in their ranks but Esposito believes that the Citizens stand to benefit by offering trials to potential prospects ahead of the start of next season.
Argentine midfielder Nahuel Pulitano Jimenez, the first player Esposito proposed to Valletta, is expected to complete his move in the coming days after leaving a good impression during his trial.
Valletta have already submit-ted a request for Jimenez’s inter-national transfer certificate to complete registration.
Doping case
A Tarxien Rainbows player is facing suspension after testing positive for doping.
The case is expected to be heard by the MFA’s medical committee in the coming weeks.
On a more positive note, Mark Tanti has agreed a new contract with Tarxien. The midfielder has now resumed training after a long-term injury.
Tarxien released Caio Suguino this week after activating a clause which enabled the club to termi-nate the Brazilian’s contract this month.