Mosta have been among the most active clubs in these early days of the winter transfer window after it emerged that the Blues have now signed five new players.
After parting ways with Montenegro forward Bojan Kaljevic, who joined Balzan FC, Mosta were quick to strengthen their forward line with the signing of Nigerian winger Uchenna Emenike and Gambian striker Kabba-Modou Cham.
Emenike started the season at Naxxar Lions but this week he became one of four overseas players released by the Premier Lea-gue strugglers.
Mosta pounced on the opportunity to land the 25-year-old who scored four goals in 17 league appearances for the Blues’ neighbouring rivals Naxxar.
Cham is a Gambia U-20 international forward who previously played for Scottish League One club Greenock Morton.
Last week, Mosta re-signed Ian Zammit, who was released by champions Valletta.
He was joined by Nigerian defender Yannick Ossok who returns after a spell in Thailand.
Another player making a return to the Maltese league is Englishman Gary Roberts.
Last season, midfielder Roberts was on the books of Floriana but this week he opted to sign for Mosta.
Besides Emenike, Naxxar have also parted ways with Senegalese forward Pape Gueye, Argentine defender David Reano and Nigerian midfielder Uzeh Edafe.
After the overhaul, the Lions are now expected to have a few foreigners on trial this month.
Meanwhile, Birkirkara are sweating on the fitness of striker Ellinton Antonio Costa Morais, aka Liliu, who suffered a knee injury in his team’s 5-1 victory over Mosta at the Hibs Stadium, last week.
Liliu, who was among the scorers on Sunday, was replaced in the second half after damaging his meniscus and is set to undergo surgery.
The Brazilian is expected to have further tests on his injured knee though as Birkirkara are keeping their fingers crossed that their forward had not hurt his cruciate ligaments as well.
In that case, Liliu would be ruled out for the rest of the season.
Liliu is Birkirkara’s leading scorer this season with 12 goals from 17 league matches.
Friggieri interest
Sliema youngster Aidan Friggieri is reportedly attracting interest from English side Tottenham Hotspur.
Reports in the UK said that the London club are monitoring the progress of Friggieri with a view of offering him a trial.
Elsewhere, Balzan FC are close to offering a contract to Italian midfielder Eduardo Capocelli.
The 19-year-old came through the youth ranks of Serie A club Torino.
At present, Capocelli is training with Oliver Spiteri’s squad.
Żebbuġ are also looking to strengthen their defence this month.
Coach Alfonso Greco is set to run the rule over two defenders, one from Ukraine and another one from The Netherlands.