Although the January transfer window officially opens today, local Premier League clubs have already started working to strengthen their squads ahead of the second part of the season.
Striker Adrian Mifsud will be the first player to change clubs this month. Yesterday, he accepted to return to his former team Hibernians from Floriana on loan for the rest of the season.
Mifsud, 33, was in his third year at Floriana after his transfer from Sliema Wanderers. He had started his career at Sta Venera before joining Rabat and then moving to Hibernians where he enjoyed a successful spell at the Paola club.
After his move to Floriana, the veteran hitman had been a regular fixture in the Greens line-up. However, this season he failed to hold on to his spot in the first team.
Contacted by The Times yesterday, Mifsud said that when Hibernians offered him the chance to play more regular football at the Paola club he didn't think twice before accepting.
"This season has been quite difficult for me," said Mifsud, who attended his first training session with his new team-mates yesterday.
"I was struggling to make it to the first team and I knew that it was time for me to seek pastures new.
"When Hibs showed interest I jumped at the chance to change clubs. I think with Hibs I have better chances to feature more regularly in top-flight football. My hope is that I will become useful to my former club."
Spiteri on way to Floriana
The January transfer window is likely to involve most of the teams in the Premier League and Mifsud will surely not be the only player to change colours this month.
Defender Kenneth Spiteri is set to leave Birkirkara and join Floriana until the end of the season. Sources said that negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing and a decision is yet to be made on whether the 21-year-old will move on loan or permanently.
Meanwhile, Mifsud's arrival at Hibernians could mark the end of Julio Alcorse's spell with the Paolites.
Insiders told The Times that champions Marsaxlokk are interested in signing the Argentine forward in exchange for Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva.
Negotiations are still in a premature stage.