The transfer window in Malta, like in all other European countries, opens today and will come to an end on 31 January.

So far only one transfer has been concluded officially, that of veteran defender David Carabott who is moving to local champions Sliema Wanderers from Msida St Joseph.

Otherwise, so far, we have had only rumours though one expects quite a number of movements throughout the coming four weeks.

Sliema Wanderers are thought to be thinking seriously of strengthening their already formidable squad with the arrival of a midfielder in the form of Roderick Bajada.

The Msida boy is certainly a target for the Wanderers especially after the summer departure of Rupert Mangion to his first love Hamrun Spartans.

Hibernians have been quiet on the transfer front and it seems as if there will be little change as Robert Gatt is happy with his current squad of players which includes several promising youngsters.

Birkirkara are expected to be one of the most active clubs with reports that there will be ins and outs.

It is known that defender William Camenzuli is being chased by Marsaxlokk, but the Stripes have already declared that the former Floriana and Malta star is not for sale.

If anything, such a transfer could only materialise in the summer months.

The Stripes have also confirmed their interest in signing a second goalkeeper. Early reports had indicated they had agreed terms with Msida and their goalkeeper Omar Borg who has been a target for the Stripes in the past two seasons. Yet, in the past few days, it has emerged that no agreement has yet been reached although negotiations are expected to continue. In fact, the Stripes might turn their eyes on Marsaxlokk’s young goalie Reuben Gauci if he is made available.

The Stripes are also interested in Msida’s Nigerian striker Ibrahim Babatunde and it is also reported that the latter is also keen on joining the Stripes. But again, no agreement over the transfer has been reached between the two sides.

It is reliably understood that Msida have made their two players available for transfer, but they want to negotiate a good deal which might also include Birkirkara striker Jean Paul Mifsud Triganza, goalie Bernard Paris and another player yet unnamed. Of course, they would need a midfielder to fill the void to be left by Bajada if the latter joins Sliema.

Marsaxlokk are also in the hunt for more players, but could take longer than other clubs to conclude their mission. In fact, they will only be taking a serious plunge into the market, if they win the forthcoming two matches, which could see them close to the league leadership and therefore with a good chance to challenge for the title in the second phase.

The southern seasiders want to terminate Chris Bart Williams’ contract and they are working hard towards finding an amicable solution as the Englishman has not yet accepted their terms.

One big move which, however, might not occur this month, involved Victor Sciriha, the former Marsaxlokk FC president. It is being strongly rumoured that he is being lured to join Valletta FC.

At the other end, Sciriha has found a lot of opponents at Marsaxlokk. Some of the club’s diehards still expect Sciriha to continue financing the club to realise his promise – that of not leaving the club before the team wins a local major honour.

Floriana could be also one of the most active teams as they intend to strengthen their squad in an effort to get out of the relegation zone as early as possible.

Among their targets are two of their former players, now on Birkirkara’s books. They are Jean P. Mifsud Triganza and Jonathan Holland, while it is not excluded they might also request Birkirkara for a third player who could be Adrian Ciantar, formerly of Hibernians.