Ian Zammit’s fine displays of late have convinced Valletta FC to take the striker off the transfer market despite strong interest from Sliema Wanderers.
The 26-year-old was expected to leave this week following reports that the Wanderers were set to agree terms with Valletta that would see Zammit join the Blues for the rest of the season.
However, contacted yesterday Valletta FC president Victor Sciriha told The Times that they’ve decided to stop negotiations and that the player will not be moving this month.
“Ian Zammit will not be joining Sliema Wanderers,” Sciriha said.
“He has been one of our best players lately and we have no intention of letting him go. Our transfer talks with Sliema are over.
“He’s our player and stays so for the rest of the season.”
Zammit scored vital goals in the victories over strong title contenders Hibernians (4-1) and Birkirkara (1-0) this month that enabled Valletta to regain top spot in the Premier League standings.
Valletta’s decision not to part with Zammit will be a blow for the Wanderers and their hopes to bolster their forward line in a bid to secure Championship Pool football and a place in Europe next season.
The Wanderers have now set their sights on Aboubakar Bello-Osagie, of Qormi.
It is understood that talks between the two clubs are in an advanced stage even though Sliema still have yet to agree personal terms with the Nigerian striker.
Elsewhere, Mosta are expected to bring in two experienced Italian players this month to make up for the departures of some key players from their first-team squad.
Team manager Jeffrey Farrugia confirmed yesterday that talks with midfielder Sam Dalla Bona and Fabio Vignaroli were successful and they will be joining Mosta until the end of the season.
Vignaroli, a 36-year-old attacking midfielder who had spells at Parma and Bologna, is expected to arrive today to finalise his move.
Dalla Bona, who enjoyed spells with Serie A giants Milan and Chelsea, is due here on January 20.
Meanwhile, Tarxien Rainbows have set their sights on Mosta’s Jonathan Bajada.
The Rainbows are keen to acquire the Malta U-21 midfielder as they look to fill the void left by Karl Pulo who is recovering from knee surgery.