At least three Nigerians and possibly a Brazilian are expected to arrive in Malta this week for negotiations with Valletta FC over their possible engagement by the local champions for the coming season.

Sources close to the champions told The Malta Independent on Sunday yesterday that a striker and two midfielders from Nigeria – one of whom can also play as a defender – are to arrive in Malta some day this week to hold negotiations on when they can be given a trial by the champions. The Brazilian could be Marcelo Pereira who played for Mqabba last season.

Valletta started their pre-season training on Thursday and the three foreigners will possibly join the camp later this week. However, no decision will be expected to be taken until they are seen in action in some friendly matches later this month.

Valletta will have to sign three new foreigners this season and possibly a further two for Champions League purposes only even if they will have to give them a one-year contract, according to UEFA rules.

This is because the citizens have decided to part company with their three foreigners the past season. As everyone might be aware, young starlet Frank Temile has been sold to Dynamo Kiev of The Ukraine, while Sebastian Monesterolo has left the club to play with the club in the Cyprus first division. The citizens failed to extend German midfielder Heiner Backhaus’ contract.

In the meantime, Valletta are also busy on the local transfer market. And as The Malta Independent said last week, their eyes are on two Marsaxlokk players – midfielders Jamie Pace and Cleaven Frendo.

Reports indicate that the two clubs are close on reaching an agreement on the transfer of Jamie Pace who was already on the verge of joining the champions in the January transfer market.

However, Marsaxlokk are holding firm. In fact, this newspaper has been told that the southern seasiders, especially coach Brian Talbot, is insisting on not allowing any of their players to leave the club before adequate substitutes are found, especially in midfield.

Valletta have already made their first captures in what should be another long list this season. They are Malta defender Luke Dimech and central midfielder Edmond Agius, formerly of Hibernians.