Premier League newcomers Mosta, who started their campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Valletta on Monday, have stepped up their efforts to bolster their squad over the past few days.

A club official told The Times that Mosta have secured the signature of experienced midfielder Roderick Asciak. Asciak, who played for Marsa last season, joins Mosta on loan from Rabat Ajax.

Earlier this week, Mosta filed the registration papers at the MFA of a new Brazilian defender by the name of Cristiano De Oliveira.

Oliveira is the second Brazilian player to be signed up by Mosta after striker Jurandi Da Silva Machado. The 35-year-old Asciak and Oliveira are expected to make their league debut for Mosta tomorrow against Hamrun Spartans at Ta' Qali.

A few weeks ago, Mosta were also linked with Hibernians' up-and-coming striker Andrew Cohen but their interest has since waned after the Paolites rejected their overtures.

Meanwhile, the transfer ban on Division One club Xghajra Tornadoes has been lifted by the Malta FA.

This news will have been welcomed by Premier League side Marsa who have now been given the all-clear to field newly-signed goalkeeper Maurizio Vallastro and defender Brian Bonnici, both of whom were on the books of Xghajra.

Tomorrow at 7, Marsa, who suffered a 6-0 annihilation at the hands of Birkirkara on Saturday, take on Valletta.

Clubs have until tomorrow to sign new players before the transfer window re-opens in January.