Justin Haber is poised to complete his surprise move to Sheffield United today.
As reported in The Times yesterday, the Malta goalkeeper flew out to England earlier this week with a view to signing for a club there with Sheffield United mooted as his most likely destination.
It has now been confirmed that Haber, 27, has had positive talks with Sheffield United and is set to put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the first division club after passing a medical yesterday.
His switch to Sheffield United, who played in the lucrative Premier League two seasons ago, represents the realisation of a lifetime dream for Haber who has been handed the no.22 shirt. Haber is expected to be presented to the media today.
"I am very happy to be joining Sheffield United especially after the manager, Kevin Blackwell, showed such a keen interest in me," Haber said. "I am ready to compete for a place in the first-team squad and will do my utmost to improve my standards."
Since bursting into the limelight as a highly promising goalkeeper with Floriana in the late nineties, Haber has been relentless in his quest to pursue his career abroad. He has had spells with a clutch of little-known clubs in Bulgaria, Belgium, France and, more recently, Greece where he played for second division team Haidari FC.
Two years ago, Haber had a trial with Sheffield United, who at the time were under the charge of Neil Warnock, but despite leaving a positive impression, he was not offered a contract.
Sheffield United had promised Haber that they would continue to monitor his progress at club level and with the national team.
After his first season with Haidari, Greek top-flight club Larissa were linked with an approach for Haber but the goalkeeper preferred to wait before making a decision on his future as he had received word from his agent in the UK, Carly Barnes, that Sheffield United might revive their interest in him.
For a short time last month, speculation was rife that Valletta were pondering a move for Haber as Andrew Hogg, his rival for the no.1 Malta jersey, was on the verge of joining AEK Larnaca on loan before the Cypriot club pulled out of the proposed deal.
Earlier this month, a delegation from OFI Crete, who play in Greece's Super League, travelled to Malta to try and persuade Haber to sign for them but the latter turned down their offer as he had set his heart on a move to Sheffield United.
Last season, Sheffield United finished ninth in the Championship with a total of 66 points.