Denni is set to return to Maltese football amid reports that he is in advanced talks to join champions Hibernians.

The Brazilian forward has long been eyeing a move back to the Premier League where he had established a reputation as one of the most effective foreigners during his spells with Tarxien Rainbows and Valletta.

Hibernians have already added two attacking Brazilian players to their squad after signing Gilmar (loan) and Jorge, who both turned out for Naxxar Lions last season, but this has not stopped them from pursuing a move for the highly-rated Denni.

Sources told Times of Malta that Denni, who had a short stint with Iraqi club Zakho FC after leaving Valletta for family reasons last summer, is expected to arrive in Malta today for final talks with the Paolites.

Elsewhere, Floriana have reportedly ended negotiations with Birkirkara over Emerson Marcelina.

Giovanni Tedesco, the new Birkirkara coach, has urged the club to sign the versatile Brazilian after the two worked together at Floriana last season but the latter have rejected the Stripes’ latest offer.

Floriana, who started their pre-season training yesterday under new coach Luis Oliveira, are expected to give trials to a host of foreign players in the coming weeks.

Qormi have reached an agreement to re-sign Albert Bruce.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been released by Naxxar Lions who had signed him from Qormi last January.

Italian defender Andrea Scozzese, who turned out for Sliema Wanderers last season, has returned to Malta after his proposed move to Cypriot club Ethnikos Achna fell through.

Scozzese, who was also on the books of Valletta and Gudja United, is attracting interest from Tarxien Rainbows.