Young Valletta defender Mark Barbara has been transferred to Marsaxlokk on loan for one year, according to the club’s website.

Barbara, 21, is a product of the Valletta FC Nursery. Mark was introduced as a substitute by coach Paul Zammit in most of the matches played last season. He managed to score a gem of a goal in the match against Birkirkara last February.

Meanwhile, Valletta have increased their senior squad after the signing of Malta international midfielder Claude Mattocks from Sliema W. He signed with the citizens on a two-year deal.

Mattocks, 27, a Floriana FC product started his career in season 1996/1997 with the Greens. After eight consecutive seasons with Floriana, he joined Sliema W. in season 2004/2005.

He is City’s ninth signing for the new season. So far they have signed midfielder Stefan Giglio, midfielder Heiner Backhaus, from Germany, defender Josef Mifsud and Kenneth Scicluna, defender Brian Agius, goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, prolific striker Sebastian Monesterolo of Argentina and Nigerian youngster Frank Temile.