BOV Premier League club Valletta yesterday completed the signing of midfielder Albert Bruce.

The Ghanaian has inked a two-year contract at City after securing his release from the financially-hit Qormi FC.

Bruce emerged as a target for Valletta last week as coach Paul Zammit intensified his efforts to recruit a holding midfielder following Hamza Barry’s switch to Maccabi Netanya in Israel.

The 21-year-old Bruce is no stranger to Maltese football as last season he turned out for Qormi and Naxxar Lions.

The arrival of a midfielder at Valletta could pave the way for Shaun Bajada’s move to Gozitan club Għajnsielem.

The experienced Bajada, who is from Gozo, came on as a late substitute for Jhonnattann in Valletta’s opening-day league victory over St Andrew’s last Friday.

Piciollo comeback

Italian striker Matteo Piciollo is set to return to Floriana.

Piciollo was expected to join ASD Lupa Castelli Romani in the Lega Pro this summer on a season-long loan but it appears that he has now decided to continue his career with the Greens where he earned a reputation as a fast and clinical forward.

Elsewhere, Sliema Wanderers are showing an interest in Johann Bezzina, of Hibs.

The midfielder was a first-choice player for the Paolites in their title-winning campaign last season.

However, his first-team opportunities have been limited so far this season as the increase in foreign players from five to seven has resulted in more starts for Brazilian Jackson Lima who was in and out of the first team in 2014-15.

The Wanderers are reportedly discussing a season-long loan deal for the talented Bezzina.