Gżira United have further underlined their intention to mount a strong challenge for promotion to Division One by completing the signing of Anthony Ewurum.
Ewurum, who played for Vittoriosa Stars last season, had been linked with a move to a Premier League club as the likes of Marsaxlokk and Hibs were believed to be mulling over an approach for the industrious Nigerian forward but Gżira United tabled a bold offer to secure his signature.
At Gżira, Ewurum will be reunited with former Vittoriosa team-mate Sharlon Pace who is at the heart of the Maroons’ efforts to bolster their squad ahead of the start of the Division Two campaign.
Ewurum, 26, has signed a one-year deal with Gżira United who on Thursday secured the signing of goalkeeper Simon Agius who played on loan with Vittoriosa last season.
Agius was said to be on the verge of moving to Division One side St Andrew’s while Hibs were also keen to sign him as cover for Mario Muscat but he chose to join Gżira United after the latter reached an agreement with Floriana for his permanent transfer.
The Maroons have also lured Kevin Cassar, the former Hibs and Valletta defender, and are close to signing striker Mark Galea and Simon Shead.
Meanwhile, Hibs goalkeeper Daniel Balzan has joined Division One side St Andrew’s on a season-long loan deal. Balzan had been eager to move in search of regular football, also to improve his chances of gaining the no.1 jersey with the Malta U-21 team.
Young Hibs forward Jean Paul Farrugia has agreed a one-year loan deal with Marsaxlokk who are expected to give a trial to two foreign players next week.
Rumours were rife this week that Hibs’ Edward Herrera was attracting the interest of a top Premier League club but sources close to the Paolites insisted that the Malta wing-back is not for sale.
Ħamrun are looking to bring in another two foreigners. German midfielder Heiner Backhaus, who played for Valletta in season 2007-08, and ex-Tarxien striker Anderson Ribeiro have already signed a contract with the Spartans.
Coach Jesmond Zammit is also keen on a reunion with Nigerian striker Joseph Okonkwo after the two worked together at Dingli Swallows in season 2009-10.
Okonkwo also followed Zammit to Valletta after the latter joined the Citizens as team manager but the Nigerian struggled to hold down a regular place and was released in January.
A top-division club in Cyprus have made enquiries about Tarxien playmaker Sergio. The Brazilian is still under contract with the Rainbows but the latter are prepared to listen to offers.
Earlier this week, Tarxien signed Carl Sammut on loan from Vittoriosa Stars with an option of making his move permanent at the end of the season.