Sliema Wanderers will probably try all over again to sign Birkirkara and Malta striker Etienne Barbara during the January transfer window.

Rumours are rife that the Blues, now under new coach Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia, have already made some enquiries as to the availability of the player, who played under Farrugia’s charge when the latter was coach of the Under 21 national side.

Last summer, the Blues had failed in securing the services of the Birkirkara striker, despite some reported attempts. Then, the Stripes were said to have told the Blues: “Get the money and Barbara will be yours.” But this never materialised.

Since then, Barbara also got injured and has only made a few appearances in the Birkirkara side. He has also lost his place in the national team at present.

Meanwhile, the local champions are not just pinning their hopes on the return of their injured trio of Michael Galea, Roderick Briffa and Antoine Zahra as they seek to improve their mid-table position at the end of the first round.

They have parted company with one of their four foreigners, Hatem Sbai, and are reported to be looking for a replacement immediately, probably in time for the match against rivals Valletta in two weeks’ time.

Unconfirmed reports state that the Stripes are also looking at the option of welcoming back Nigerian defender/midfielder Precious Monye, who formed part of the championship winning side last season.

Monye was not retained at the end of last season because he had suffered a knee injury, but is now back in training.

Good news for Birkirkara is the fact that their injured players – Michael Galea, Roderick Briffa and Antoine Zahra – are now on the verge of making their comeback.

Galea may form part of the squad for the match against Valletta, though certainly not in the starting line-up, while the other two will have to wait till next month to return to the side.

As for Adrian Ciantar, the healing process is taking longer than expected and he is now only expected back possibly in January.

Pieta Hotspurs are also expected to swoop on the market as new coach Carmel Busuttil is expected to request some defensive reinforcements in an effort to lift the club above the relegation zone.