Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’ (right) is expected to report back for training with Hibs today.

Boris Milekic’s move to Birkirkara has been called off after the Serbian defender failed his medical.

The Stripes announced on Wednesday that they had reached an agreement to sign Milekic but they pulled out of the deal yesterday after medical tests showed that the 27-year-old has an injury.

With Milekic out of the equation, Birkirkara are now believed to be assessing other potential signings as they look to increase their defensive options following the departure of Zach Muscat who has joined Italian Lega Pro club Akragas.

Birkirkara, who trail BOV Premier League leaders Valletta by five points, are also assessing the CVs of two foreign wingers and strikers as they want to strengthen those two positions after parting ways with Brazilian forward Liliu and Spaniard Juan Quero Barraso.

Liliu will continue his season in Cyprus after securing a deal with top-flight club Nea Salamis Famagusta.

Italian striker Fabrizio Miccoli, Birkirkara’s marquee signing last summer, left the club last month after deciding to hang up his boots.

The Stripes have already recruited three foreign players since the start of the January transfer window.

Chilean midfielder Edison Bilbao Zarate made his debut for Birkirkara in last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Qormi after joining the club from Balzan with Malta international Paul Fenech moving in the opposite direction.

Croatian coach Drazen Besek, who succeeded Giovanni Tedesco a few weeks ago, has also completed the signing of two fellow countrymen, midfielder Mislav Andelkovic and goalkeeper Miroslav Kopric.

Meanwhile, Brazilian striker Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’ returned to Malta yesterday after spending the Christmas holidays in his home country.

Tarabai has enjoyed a positive loan spell with South Korean club Seoul E-Land who are believed to be eager to make his move permanent but no deal has been agreed with Hibernians.

The Paolites are keen to cling on to Tarabai who has forged a reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League.

Last season, Tarabai scored 25 goals before leaving for South Korea in the third week of March to join Seoul E-Land. The 30-year-old netted 18 times for the Korean club.

Given that Hibs already have several foreigners on their books, the return of Tarabai may prompt the champions to try and offload some of them.

The signing of an experienced goalkeeper is a priority for Hibs during this month’s transfer window and coach Branko Nisevic is currently gauging the qualities of two shot-stoppers.

Dutch goalkeeper Stan van Hoeven has been training with Hibs since last week and also made a substitute appearance in the 2-1 friendly win over PSV Eindhoven.

A Ghanaian goalkeeper is also having a trial with Hibs who are second in the championship, three points behind Valletta.

Meanwhile, Valletta striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza is being linked with a move to Gozitan club Għajnsielem.

The Blacks, top of the GFA Division One league, have former Valletta midfielder Shaun Bajada as player-coach.