Unconfirmed reports yesterday stated that Italian defender Manuel Boni, until last season with Msida St Joseph, will be now joining FA Trophy winners Birkirkara as the latter’s replacement for the departed Lucian Dronca.

The 25-year old defender, a stalwart in Msida’s rearguard, had been lured to Malta by the Saints from Italian club Ferentino.

Although nothing has been officially concluded, most of the local football clubs are at present very busy having talks with players who intend to move to new clubs the coming season.

Meanwhile, other Premier club Marsaxlokk have confirmed the recruitment of national goalkeeper Reuben Gauci from Floriana, midfielder Gareth Sciberras from Pieta Hotspurs and Kevin Sammut from Sliema and who played for Msida SJ last season, for the coming campaign. These new signings add to the youth element, alongside Cleaven Frendo, Shawn Tellus and Andre Schembri, in the Marsaxlokk side.

It is also rumoured that Nigerian striker Ndubisi Chukunyere may leave Hibernians and play for champions Sliema Wanderers next season.