Hibs striker Jorginho is attracting the interest of overseas clubs. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiHibs striker Jorginho is attracting the interest of overseas clubs. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

With the end of the August transfer window looming large, a host of overseas clubs are reportedly showing interest in signing Hibernians striker Jorginho.

Jorginho recently inked a new three-year contract with Hiber-nians after playing a crucial role in their title success last season, hitting 25 goals to finish as the BOV Premier League top scorer alongside his former team-mate, Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’.

Sources have told Times of Malta that, over the past two weeks, a number of foreign clubs have made enquiries about Jorginho.

Cypriot club Aris Limassol, who have Malta defender Steve Borg on their books, are keen to add Jorginho to their squad but it is understood that their contract offer was deemed too low to even be considered by the player.

Last month, Aris Limassol tried to prise Rowen Muscat away from Birkirkara but the 24-year-old Malta midfielder rejected their offer to sign a new contract with the Stripes.

Jorginho, who also had two spells with Qormi in the past, has also caught the attention of Delhi Dynamos, who play in the Indian Super League.

Agents working for Delhi Dynamos are understood to have made contact with Jorginho’s representatives with a view to offering a short-term deal to the 29-year-old. Delhi Dynamos are managed by former Real Madrid and Brazil star Roberto Carlos.

Hibs, who got their 2015/16 campaign off to a great start after beating FA Trophy winners Birkirkara in the BOV Super Cup final last Wednesday, have boosted their attacking options in the close season with the signings of Gilmar, Jorge and possibly Denni but Jorginho is the only out-and-out striker in their squad.

The Paolites are believed to be determined to hold on to Jorginho who is seen as a key player in their quest to defend the Premier League title.

Floriana boost

Meanwhile, Floriana have completed the signing of Italian defender Enrico Pepe.

The 25-year-old, who last played for Messina, replaces Spanish defender Ubay Luzardo Santana who has been released by the Greens.

Floriana coach Luis Oliveira is still gauging the qualities of another defender, Andrea Scozzese, but the indications are that the latter will be offered a contract.

Scozzese turned out for Sliema Wanderers last season.

The Greens, who have made wholesale changes to their squad in the off season, received a boost last weekend after talented midfielder Conor Borg rejoined the club on a season-long loan from Roma.

Borg finalised his move to the Serie A club last month but the 18-year-old was reportedly keen to spend another year with Floriana in the top flight of Maltese football before joining Roma on a permanent basis.

Another promising youngster, Ħamrun Spartans midfielder Jake Grech, has pulled the plug on his proposed switch to Spezia.

Grech had already travelled to Italy to join the youth sector of the Serie B club but financial issues prompted the Malta U-19 international and Ħamrun Spartans to call off the move.

Naxxar Lions have intensified their recruitment drive ahead of their opening Premier League mach against Birkirkara on Friday.

The Lions, who have a new president, David Vella, and a new coach, Stefano Grima, yesterday concluded the signing of Emiliano Lattes.

The much-travelled Argentine winger played for St Andrews last season.

Italian midfielder Luca Lodetti, who had a spell with Marsaxlokk a few years back, has also agreed to join the Lions.

Grima, who succeeded Jes-mond Zerafa at the helm of Naxxar, is also expected to hand contracts to Benin striker Ossou Sidoine and Moises Gnenegbe, a French defender.

Brazilian midfielder Mandinho, who had a short stint with Mosta in season 2013/14, has also secured a contract with the Lions who have also recruited Australian midfielder Richard Cardoso.

Elsewhere, Hamza Barry marked his debut for Maccabi Netanya with a goal in a 2-0 victory over Hapeel Be’er Sheva in Israel’s Toto Cup.

The Gambian midfielder joined Maccabi Netanya last weekend after two years with Valletta.

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