Brazilian playmaker Gilmar is set to continue his career in the Middle East after agreeing a move to Al-Raed in Saudi Arabia.

A spokesman for the player told Times of Malta that Gilmar is joining Al-Raed on loan from Maltese club Naxxar Lions, subject to a medical.

Gilmar is still contracted to Naxxar Lions, who were relegated to Division One last season, after signing a three-year deal last summer.

The 26-year-old played on loan with Hibernians last season. He took some time to get going but, as the season progressed, Gilmar established himself as one of the most influential players in the Hibernians team.

While his performances were not enough to help the Paolites retain the BOV Premier League, Gilmar won two personal accolades after being voted best foreign player at the Malta FA and Malta Football Players Association Awards.

It is believed that Hibs, now under the charge of Mark Miller, did try to extend Gilmar’s loan while a host of other clubs, including Valletta, Birkirkara and newly-promoted Gżira United, also expressed an interest in the Brazilian but no deal was agreed.

Al-Raed finished third from bottom in the Professional League (top division) of Saudi Arabia last season.

Elsewhere, veteran goalkeeper Mario Muscat is to extend his career into his forties after renewing his contract with Premier League club Pembroke Athleta for another year.

Muscat, who was Hibs’ no.1 goalkeeper for over two decades and has 68 Malta caps, turns 40 on August 18. He joined Pembroke coach Winston Muscat’s backroom staff last summer but also made himself available to play, if needed.

His experience and goalkeeping abilities came to the fore as Muscat became Pembroke’s no.1 goalkeeper after a string of solid performances.