The January transfer window in Malta, as in all European countries, will open today.

It could prove to be a hectic time for some clubs who are striving to strengthen their squads in the hope of either challenging for the top places or else to try to avoid relegation.

Most of the clubs, if not all, will have already done their homework, but it seems as if there has been only a few definite movements so far.

As has already been published in this paper’s sister edition yesterday, Etienne Barbara is expected to become a Sliema Wanderers player this week.

In fact, he could possibly start training under the charge of Edward Aquilina and Hugh Caruana as from today or tomorrow after Sliema came to an agreement with Marsaxlokk and also on personal terms with the player.

It is also known that Floriana’s Brazilian striker Edoardo Do Nascimento (Bizu) has been released by the Greens after his lengthy period out of action due to an injury and then also because of his unimpressive performances since his return to the field.

The Greens are expected to be active on the transfer market. But the committee has decided not to rush into the scene to take the necessary action.

They are adamant to strengthen their squad, if possible, even to challenge seriously for the honours, depending on the results of the forthcoming immediate matches.

However, no names have yet been mentioned.

Second placed Valletta are also hoping to welcome back among their ranks Nigerian striker Chris Oretan.

If he can reproduce the form he had shown in his previous spell with the Citizens, and also with Naxxar, then Valletta could easily be considered as Sliema’s main challengers for this season’s title, having been the revelation side so far.

Birkirkara have also not thrown in the towel yet and the Stripes are also on the lookout for a possible addition at the back, which is leaking too many goals this season.

In this sense, they are thought to be considering bringing over Kenneth Scicluna from England especially for the top clashes.

Scicluna is studying in England, he is training and playing there in a Sunday league, and is still registered locally as a Birkirkara player. In fact, he was also included in the squad for the Super Five Cup tournament matches recently when he was visiting the island.

The Stripes have made it clear that they will not be parting company with any of their players, although Mark Anthony Bonnici is on the wanted list of some clubs.

Hibernians seem to be very happy with their current crop of players. But their main concern is Andre Schembri who is being lured away by other clubs – Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk are known to be very keen admirers of the youngster.

However, Schembri cannot join another club until he is 21 years old, that is, unless such a transfer is accepted and approved by Hibernians.

Despite the differences that currently exist between the club and the player, the Paolites are reluctant to part company with such a promising youngster and it is known that efforts are being made to try and seek an amicable agreement with the talented Schembri, considered by many as the brightest prospect for the future in Maltese football.

Pieta Hotspurs seem to be happy with their squad and have rejected offers for defender Chris Okoh and striker Ivan Woods. Their declaration that these two players are not for sale obviously confirms Pieta’s intentions of figuring among the top six once again when the second phase of the championship comes around.

Msida St Joseph are another team expected to make some inroads into the transfer scene this month. But their whereabouts are not yet known, though a defender (possibly Mark Anthony Bonnici of Birkirkara) and a midfielder (Mauro Brincat of Hamrun) seem to be their priorities.

Big spenders Marsaxlokk will also be very active. In fact, as is well known, club boss Victor Sciriha has kept his promise to being over two Bulgarian imports in the form of Mitko Trendatilov, a 35-year-old midfielder, and Stanmir Georgiev, 29.

They will be substituting Nigerian Minabo Asechemie and Dragomir Draganov who have been released.

And the southern seasiders have also brought over a young Nigerian striker to replace Etienne Barbara. He has been named as Michael Emeka Ochei.

According to the local website, maltafootball.com, Ochei was quoted as telling Nigeriasports.com that he considered this move as a stepping stone to Europe.