Valletta are engaged in a race against time to sign a foreign keeper ahead of the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie against Serbian side Red Star Belgrade at the Hibs Stadium, tomorrow.

With Nicky Vella facing a long lay-off after scans reportedly confirmed that he suffered a cruciate injury in a pre-season friendly, coach Paul Zammit wanted to bring cover for the former Tarxien custodian who is Henry Bonello’s understudy at Valletta.

A Lithuanian goalkeeper is due to arrive today to finalise his move to Valletta who are hopeful of adding him to their Champions League squad list before the UEFA deadline this evening.

On the other hand, striker Luke Montebello is set for his second loan spell away from Valletta. Premier League newcomers Gżira United are in pole position to sign the Malta U-21 striker.

Gżira are close to concluding talks with Sliema Wanderers over the transfers of defender Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and midfielder Gabriel Aquilina, the latter having impressed during his loan stint with the Maroons.

Sliema, now under the guidance of John Buttigieg, have set their sights on Brazilian midfielder Emerson Marcelina and Slovenian forward Vito Plut, both on the books of Birkirkara.

For their part, Birkirkara are hopeful of signing a foreign striker ahead of their Europa League home game against Hearts on Thursday. The Stripes are also in talks to re-sign Croatian midfielder Mislav Andelkovic.

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