Birkirkara have ended their search for a fifth foreigner after reaching an agreement with Brazilian forward Joselito.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, and club officials had been keen to bring in a striker to replace Spaniard Moises Avila-Perez who has been released.

Jorginho, who impressed for Qormi last season, was reportedly Birkirkara’s top target but he is likely to continue his career in Brazil.

Over the last few weeks, Birkirkara drew up a shortlist and Zammit’s choice fell on the 21-year-old Joselito who last season turned out for Bonsucesso, a club based in Rio.

Joselito’s arrival takes the number of Brazilian players at Birkirkara to three as he joins defender Rodrigo Pereira and winger Jorge. The club’s other overseas players are Serbian defender Nikola Vukanac and Nigerian forward Shola Shodiya Haruna.

Birkirkara, third in the Premier League season, are hoping to complete the paperwork for Joselito’s registration in time for the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round match against FK Metalurg Skopje on Thursday.

The future of Shawn Bajada and Angus Buhagiar with Birkirkara remains unclear as both players have yet to agree a new deal with the club.

Meanwhile, Zach Muscat, of Pietà Hotspurs, is attracting the interest of several top-flight clubs.

Birkirkara and Tarxien Rain-bows are pushing hard to sign Muscat but other clubs are also keen on the highly-rated Malta U-21 international who can play in various positions.

The Rainbows, who have appointed Danilo Doncic as their new coach, are expected to have two Brazilian players for a trial next week.

Elsewhere, Ħamrun Spartans are in advanced talks with a Bulgarian businessman who is interested in investing in the club.

The contacts between the Spartans and their potential sponsor were started by Atanas Marinov, who had a spell as coach of Ħamrun a few years ago.

Ħamrun, who confirmed Stefan Sultana as first-team coach, will start their pre-season on Monday.

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