Sliema Wanderers mentor Edward Aquilina told The Malta Independent yesterday that Haruna Doda, formerly of Birkirkara, was too expensive.

Asked whether Sliema would swoop for Doda now that his contract had been terminated by the Stripes, Aquilina said they had made their homework and found out that the club would not be able to meet his stiff demands.

It is reliably understood that even Birkirkara failed to meet the new requests of the Nigerian striker and that was the main reason why they decided to terminate the striker's contract.

Aquilina yesterday confirmed that even if they had to sign Doda or another Nigerian for that matter, it would have been questionable because Sliema's three foreigners, Murphy Akanji, Danilo Doncic and Lubos Pernis all hail from outside the European Union.

As was reported in yesterday's issue, Doda became the second Nigerian in Maltese football to have his contract terminated. A few days ago, Ndubuisi Chukunyere was also released by Hibernians. So far, he has no new club.

Meanwhile Aquilina also confirmed that the Blues had offered the Stripes central defender Massimo Grima in return for striker Matthew Calascione.

Grima could be an ideal substitute for Romanian Lucian Dronca, who has left to join a club in Singapore. But the Stripes are still mulling the offer as Calascione was being looked at as a possible replacement for Doda up front.

Aquilina also said that Valletta had also shown interest to sign Grima on loan for a third time this season, but Sliema were only interested in selling the player.

Also, Chucks Nwoko has not yet reached a new deal with the Stripes and it is reported he might still join Sliema.

However, the Wanderers, although never denying the news, have been rather cool in their approach so far.