Hibernians are interested in signing Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Henry Bonello. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Goalkeeper Henry Bonello is set to follow in the footsteps of his father John by donning the shirt of Hibernians as the latter are in talks with Sliema Wanderers over his transfer.

After Sliema had indicated their readiness to listen to offers for Bonello, Hibernians wasted no time in starting negotiations to sign the 25-year-old.

The Paolites have been searching for a goalkeeper to replace veteran Mario Muscat who is not in coach Branko Nisevic’s plans for the new season.

Until a few years ago, Bonello was regarded as one of the most promising keepers in Maltese football but he is now deemed surplus to requirements at Sliema after losing his place to Glenn Zammit in the latter stages of last season.

Hibernians have taken up the option to make keeper Juergen Borg’s loan move from Floriana permanent and also have Daniel Balzan on their books.

However, Nisevic is keen to add a more-experienced goalkeeper to his squad.

Sources told Times of Malta that the two clubs are not far from agreeing a players-plus-cash deal that would see Bonello move from Sliema to Hibs in exchange for Balzan and an undisclosed sum of money.

Nisevic is also looking to strengthen other key positions in his team. At present, the Serbian coach is gauging the qualities of a Nigerian striker.

Elsewhere, Stanley Ohawuchi, Sliema’s Nigerian forward, has travelled to Egypt for a medical ahead of his proposed move to Wade Degla FC.

The Cairo-based club, who play in the country’s Premier League, are favourites to land Ohawuchi’s signature but negotiations with the Wanderers over the terms of the transfer have yet to be finalised.

Ferencvaros had also made preliminary enquiries about Ohawuchi’s availability after being impressed with his showing in their Europa League matches against Sliema but the Hungarian club did not follow up their verbal interest with a formal offer.

Faced with the imminent departure of one of their main forwards, Sliema are now eager to bring in two attacking players.

In fact, they are giving a trial to a host of foreign players, three of whom are expected to arrive in the coming the days.

Caio Henrique Siqueira Sanchez, a 21-year-old Brazilian forward who was on the books of Serbia’s Radnicki, was due to arrive last night.

Brazilian Brendo Da Silva, a wide midfield player, and 23-year-old Argentine striker Bruno Fistori, who started his career with Boca Juniors, are expected to join Sliema for training by the end of the week.

Żebbuġ Rangers also have several players on trial as they strive to reinforce their squad ahead of their long-awaited return to top-flight football.

After snapping up Nigerian striker Obinna Obiefule, Żebbuġ coach Jesmond Zammit is assessing the abilities of Italian defender Simone Patacchiola, who spent most of his youth career with Samp-doria and Brazilians Tomas Gomes and Sergio.

Meanwhile, Tarxien Rainbows, one of the most active clubs in the close season, have signed another foreign striker.

Clebinho is the latest Brazilian to link up with the Rainbows who have overhauled their squad after flirting with relegation last season.

Two of Tarxien’s new signings, Brazilians Wesley Pipico and Branquinho, were on target as the Rainbows drew 3-3 with Birkirkara in a friendly match on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Pipico, who was highly-rated during his long stint in Brazilian football, scored a brace.

U-17 talent spotted

It is understood that a number of up-and-coming players who represented Malta in the UEFA Under-17 Championship are attracting the interest of Italian and Dutch clubs.

St Andrew’s starlet Matthew Guillaumier is set to return to Italy after capturing the attention of the youth coaches of a Serie A club.

Last season, Guillaumier was a first-choice player in St Andrew’s senior team after rejoining the club following a short spell with Empoli.

In recent weeks, Malta FA officials have reportedly upped their drive to promote the country’s emerging talents to potential suitors overseas.

In the UK, Oscar Borg, a player of Maltese descent, has been in the news lately after starting a trial with Manchester United.

The 16-year-old winger, who has been compared to Gareth Bale, was on the books of West Ham United.

Southampton have also been linked with Borg.