Naxxar Lions have completed the signing of striker Demba Toure.

The Senegalese, who began the season with Division One high-fliers Pembroke Athleta, had a trial with the Wanderers last week.

Sliema coach Stephen Azzo-pardi agreed to have a look at Toure as he steps up his search for a forward after Fabio Mangiacasale returned to Italy but the experienced striker yesterday decided to sign for Naxxar after being offered a contract by the Lions until the end of this season.

For Toure, this is the second time that he has changed clubs during the winter transfer window.

He spent the second half of last season on loan with Tarxien Rainbows after moving from Birkirkara in an exchange deal with Brazilian striker Ronaille going the other way.

Toure has struggled for first-team opportunities at Pembroke Athleta in the last few months but Naxxar Lions coach Jesmond Zerafa is optimistic that the former Valletta striker will boost his team’s attacking punch after the club decided to release Senegalese striker Pape Gueye and Nigerian winger Uchenna Emenike.

Toure is Naxxar’s third signing in the January transfer window after the Premier League strugglers acquired Ghana midfielder Albert Bruce, formerly of Qormi, and Brazilian striker Jorge who had begun the season with Tarxien.

Meanwhile, Sliema, beaten 2-1 by lowly Żebbuġ Rangers last weekend, are still looking to strengthen their forward line in the coming weeks.

The Wanderers are awaiting the arrival of Gambian striker Aziz Corr Nyang.

Nyang, who last season was on the books of Valletta, is expected to travel to Malta in the coming days to undergo a medical and sign a contract with the Wanderers.