Andrei Agius will continue his career in Italy as yesterday the Malta defender confirmed that he had reached an agreement to join Lega Pro Prima Divisione side US Latina Calcio.

Agius will move to Latina from Seconda Divisione side AS Melfi and is set to put pen to paper on a one-year contract.

In the past few weeks, there was speculation regarding the future of the 25-year-old who was linked with a return to the BOV Premier League with his former club Birkirkara with champions Valletta also touted as favourites for his signature.

However, Agius told The Times yesterday that he will play for Latina next season and the transfer is expected to be completed today when all the paper-work is done.

“It has always been my intention to continue my career abroad league,” Agius said.

“It’s also true that Valletta and Birkirkara had both made enquiries regarding my availability this summer.

“We had discussions but I informed them that I was still hoping to sign a contract abroad and they were ready to wait until I took a decision.

“But I’m glad that things have gone the way I wanted and that now I will continue my career in Italy.”

For Agius, the move to Latina represents a bigger challenge as he will play in a higher division than last season.

In fact, the club from the Lazio region won promotion to the Prima Divisione last season.

Latina dominated the 2010-11 championship in division four and were crowned champions with a game to spare.

This will be the first time in 30 years that Latina will be playing in the third tier of Italian football.

They open their league campaign on Sunday when they host Siracusa at the Domenico Francioni Stadium.