Malta striker Andrew Cohen and Hibernians are thought to be close to reaching an agreement on an extension to a deal which will keep Cohen at the Paola club for at least another two years.

A Hibs spokesman said yesterday that a final decision is to be taken tomorrow.

Earlier, it was an open secret that Sliema had been interested in getting the services of the player, but their interest dropped after they acquired the services of Slovakia striker Zdenek Svoboda who will be replacing veteran Serbian striker Danilo Doncic.

Cohen himself had also been quoted as saying a few weeks ago that everything was possible – even his staying at Hibernians – as negotiations had not yet been concluded.

The Paolites also confirmed yesterday that they will not be retaining the services of David Camilleri, who was on loan from Marsaxlokk the past season.

They are seeking the services of a foreign player to play in the heart of the defence.

Hibernians, who started training on Wednesday in preparation for the new season, also have among their ranks Matthew Bartolo and Jonathan Caruana, who were on loan at relegated Mosta the past season. Another Mosta-loaned player, Udo Nwoko, will also join the Paolites group when he returns from holiday in Nigeria.