Current Premier League leaders Valletta are not expected to go into the last days of the January transfer market seeking new faces.

Rumours spreading around yesterday morning had it that the citizens were close to acquiring the services of Marsaxlokk and Malta midfielder Jamie Pace.

But club president Victor Sciriha quickly quashed the news saying: “I know nothing about such a move. So far Valletta are not in the market. I am now going abroad and it seems impossible to get new faces in these last four days,” he told The Malta Independent.

Valletta, who drew 2-2 with Sliema W. on Saturday, lead the standings with 32 points, one ahead of second placed Marsaxlokk and four ahead of third placed Sliema Wanderers.

Meanwhile, some teams are thought to be working behind the scenes to sign some player or players to try and get a lift from their present gloom.

Two clubs, Birkirkara and Hamrun Spartans, are both thought to be interested in strengthening their squad, but have enquired some obstacles in their approach for their targets.

The two clubs, along with Hibernians, are still highly involved in the battle to avoid playing in the Relegation Pool in the second phase.

No names have been mentioned but it is believed that the two sides want to strengthen their flanks.

The two clubs are occupying sixth and seventh places in the standings, both on 23 points. In the next round of matches on 9 February – their 16th in the first phase – the two clubs will be facing each other and it will certainly be a crucial match for both teams.