Birkirkara’s national team players Etienne Barbara and Roderick Briffa seem to be on the way to Sliema Wanderers.

The two players form part of a group of four players who are not in the plans of Stripes coach John Buttigieg for the coming season. Negotiations are believed to be in an advanced stage and an agreement could be announced by the end of next week, according to sources close to both clubs.

Another player who is expected to move to Sliema in the next few days is the promising Hibernians and Malta Under 21 striker Matthew Bartolo.

Earlier, soon after the end of last season, Sliema made it clear that they were also close to signing Daniel Bogdanovic, leading scorer last season, from champions Marsaxlokk.

Robert Gatt confirmed

Hibernians have made their first move on the transfer market by confirming Robert Gatt as their coach for the coming season.

Gatt, who has been on the club’s bench for the last four years, led the side to success in the FA Trophy and therefore a berth in the UEFA Cup the coming season.

Michael Woods new

St George’s coach

Michael Woods is expected to be appointed new coach of St George’s FC.

For Woods, assistant to Robert Gatt at Hibernians in the past few years, it will be the first job as a coach of a first division club.

Marco Gerada, who was Saints coach the past season, has left the Cospicua side to join newly promoted club Hamrun Spartans in the Premier League next season.