Ismael Grech... joined Tarxien.

Tarxien Rainbows continued to strengthen their ranks in this month’s transfer window with the acquisition of Ishmael Grech.

The 23-year-old defender started the season on the books of Mosta but struggled to secure a regular place in Peter Smith’s formation in the first part of the campaign.

This month Grech sought a move away from the club and Mosta agreed to release him from his contract.

Tarxien, mired in the relegation scrap after a poor half to the season, immediately stepped up interest and yesterday central defender Grech shook hands with coach Clive Mizzi on a new deal before attending his first training session with his new club.

Grech is expected to make his first appearance for the Rainbows in Sunday’s key match against fellow strugglers Qormi at the Hibs Stadium.

This month the Rainbows added Spanish trio Jose Perreira, Jorge Yepes and Eduardo Vallecillo to their squad after releasing most of their foreign players last month.

Mizzi is also expected to determine whether Nigerian trialists Junior Obagbemiro and Obinna Ojuko can help the side lift their position in the standings before giving them the green light to join until the end of the season.

Qormi, who on Monday secured the services of Leighton Grech from Birkirkara, are hopeful of completing the registration of Brazilian midfielder Marcelinho and Swedish defender Billy Berntsson before their next match.

Marcelinho and Berntsson, formerly of Malmo, both penned deals for the rest of the season but their clearance documents are yet to arrive.

The Yellow-Blacks are still engaged in talks with Birkirkara over a swap deal which would see Argentine defender Maurizio Mazzetti Latini joining the Stripes with Spanish defender Alejandro Mendoza moving the other way.

Sources told Times of Malta that the clubs have now reached an agreement but the deal has hit a snag as Mendoza seems reluctant on the transfer.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Birkirkara could hand a debut to Bosnian goalkeeper Mirza Hamzabegovic in tonight’s FA Trophy fourth round clash against Siġġiewi at the Centenary Stadium.

The towering goalkeeper joined the Stripes last weekend and his registration was filed at the MFA offices yesterday, making him eligible to play in today’s cup tie at the Cententary Stadium.

Elsewhere, Pietà Hotspurs have signed Nigerian striker Charles Newecke.

The Hotspurs were keen to bring in a new forward after releasing Brazilian Rafael Zacarias earlier this month.

Newecke has agreed to play for the Hotspurs until June and it is likely he will make his first showing in Maltese football in Sunday’s basement clash against Żebbuġ Rangers.