Malta striker Michael Mifsud will be playing in the English Championship with Coventry City after signing a 30-month deal with the Midlands Club earlier this week.

The website TEAMtalk.com said yesterday that Coventry had signed Mifsud on a free transfer from Norwegian side Lillestrom, though subject to international clearance.

The website quoted City manager Micky Adams as saying: “We are delighted that Michael has opted to join us and I am looking forward to working with him.

“There were a number of clubs interested in his signature and I believe as well as being a proven goalscorer, he will bring more depth to the squad.”

Mifsud, a former Footballer of the Year winner in Malta, when he played for Sliema Wanderers, had a most positive spell at Lillestrom where he scored 11 goals in 19 games, but also left a good impression when the Norwegian side played against Newcastle at St james Park earlier this season, in an Intertoto Cup match. Mifsud also caught the eye with a spectacular display in Malta’s 2-1 win over Hungary in the European Championship, even if he failed to score on that day.

The striker had been linked with a whole host of clubs, with Sheffield United leading the way for most of the time.

A few weeks ago, it was reported that he was close to signing an agreement with Sheffield United, but it is apparent that no deal had been reached.

Coventry had a bid for the forward turned down by Lillestrom over the summer. Mifsud is now joining Coventry on a free transfer.