Birkirkara and Malta defender Kenneth Scicluna moved closer to his expected move to Valletta yesterday, the opening day of the transfer market.

City president Victor Sciriha told The Malta Independent that it was now very close. "I expect the deal to be completed in the next two or three days," he said.

Valletta's new president has been very active in this summer market. Since his arrival, City have signed Stefan Giglio from Sliema, German midfielder Heiner Backhaus, who is expected to arrive in Malta today, defender Josef Mifsud from Msida St Joseph and Pieta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.

Sciriha also said yesterday that the citizens would be launching a bid to sign Malta striker Ivan Woods from Sliema. Woods is a former Valletta player.

But it is still to be seen whether the Wanderers will be ready to part with their prized asset who was their top scorer the past season.

The city president's dream of building a strong Valletta side does not end here. In fact, he also said yesterday that a Brazilian striker will soon be arriving for a trial with the club and could be the answer as to who will be partnering Sebastian Monesterolo next season.

This could mean that the citizens have shifted their interest off Ibrahim Babatunde of Msida who is now reported to be seeking a new club - possibly Sliema Wanderers.

Birkirkara had also been interested in his services, but they did not meet his financial demands.