Brazilian midfielder William Barbosa is expected to leave Valletta as he’s in advanced talks to take over as player-coach of Division One club St Andrew’s.

Sources told Times of Malta that St Andrew’s are very keen on securing the services of Barbosa as they are confident that he has the talent and experience to fulfil the dual role of player and coach.

St Andrew’s, who finished fifth in the Division One league, have been looking for a new coach after Wayne Attard stepped down at the end of the season.

Attard is being linked with a post in the Malta FA youth sector.

Barbosa’s second, and probably final, season with Valletta came to an end on Saturday after the Citizens were knocked out of the FA Trophy following a 3-2 defeat to Hibernians in the semi-finals.

The 34-year-old Brazilian, regarded as one of the best foreign players in the Premier League, was instrumental in Valletta’s title success last season but was unable to make the same impact this term as the Whites struggled for consistency.

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