Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara will start training in preparation for the new season on Monday.

While Sliema seem to be retaining more or less the same players as last season, apart from Doncic who has been released and is to be replaced by Zdenek Svoboda, Birkirkara still have not replaced their foreigners as all of them, especially Precious Monye and David Simon, will not have their contracts extended.

Club chairman Victor Zammit said yesterday the Stripes were in the process of making their selection and were eyeing some Italian hopefuls. In fact, if negotiations are finalised, these might arrive in Malta next week to commence preparations with their team-mates.

Zammit gave no details about these players but said that some of them have also played in the Serie B some time or another.

Zammit said, however, that he had various options to choose from and the selection might fall on other players, not necessarily the Italians.

Meanwhile the champions’ midfielder/striker Etienne Barbara has been linked with a move to Sliema Wanderers. So far no official offer has been made, but it is reliably understood that the player’s first preference is Birkirkara. His contract with the Stripes expires in two years’ time.

In the Sliema camp, apart from Doncic, rumours are rife that even veteran midfielder Joe Brincat seems to be on the way out as he would like to finish his career at his first love – Hamrun Spartans. However, the latter’s relegation to the first division may prove to be an obstacle.

Sliema have also denied that they might be moving in for Msida striker Daniel Nwoke. Returning to the fold will be internationals Claude Mattocks and Ian Ciantar who were on loan at Valletta and Floriana respectively the past season.