Scottish player Gary Muir is eyeing a move to Sliema Wanderers after ending his spell with Floriana. Photo: Paul Zammit CutajarGary Muir is likely to swap Floriana’s green shirt for the blue colours of their Old Firm rivals as the Scottish wing-back is in advanced talks to join Sliema Wanderers.
Muir is a free agent after terminating his contract with Floriana by mutual agreement last month.
The 29-year-old, who also had a spell with Vittoriosa Stars, established a reputation as a reliable professional who can play in different positions.
Stephen Azzopardi, the Sliema Wanderers coach, is believed to be keen to have a versatile player like Muir in his team.
The Blues are hopeful of concluding discussions to sign Muir in the coming days.
Having kept a relatively low profile in the opening weeks of the close season despite signing a partnership agreement with English television company Next Champions, Sliema Wanderers, who won the pre-season Mosta tournament, have stepped up their recruitment drive in the last 15 days.
Led by president Keith Perry, the Blues have struck a deal with Birkirkara to sign Rafael Ledesma. The Brazilian playmaker, who was not offered a new deal by the Stripes, is expected to complete his move to Sliema this week after landing in Malta yesterday.
Sources also told Times of Malta that, with financial backing from Next Champions TV, Sliema may also sign veteran Italian midfielder Roberto Guana.
The 34-year-old, who started his career with Brescia, has turned out for several Italian clubs, including Cagliari, Palermo and Chievo.
A Spanish player was expected to begin a trial with Azzopardi’s team yesterday as Sliema are looking to finalise their foreigners’ line-up before their opening 2015/16 Premier League clash against Tarxien Rainbows on August 21.
Elsewhere, Birkirkara coach Giovanni Tedesco is running the rule over Brazilian playmaker Kerlon. The 27-year-old arrived in Malta last weekend.
Another Brazilian forward is also expected to start a trial with Birkirkara this week.
Tedesco is eager to increase his options following the departure of Liliu, albeit the latter has yet to sort out his future despite reports of offers from Hungarian clubs.
The FA Trophy winners, who caught attention with some cohesive showings in the Europa League, are preparing for the Super Cup clash with champions Hibs tomorrow at the National Stadium.
Muscat’s future
Zach Muscat has returned to Malta following a training stint with Pisa but his future with Birkirkara is still unclear as the international defender has an offer to join the Lega Pro club.
Premier League newcomers St Andrews yesterday handed a deal to another young foreign player.
Italian defender Nicola Andreis, 20, has come through the youth ranks of Verona.
Andreis has also played for Seregno 1913 and AlbinoLeffe.