Brazilian defender Ramon is set to join Valletta from Qormi on a permanent deal after the two clubs renegotiated the terms of his transfer.

Ramon, who has been training with the Citizens for a number of weeks and also played for them in the Euro Cup, had been expected to link up with the Whites on loan for one season but the switch was in danger of falling through in the last few days.

Jonathan Bondin and Cleaven Frendo had been widely tipped to move to Qormi on loan as part of the deal but discussions stalled this week.

Fresh talks between representatives of Qormi and Valletta yesterday are believed to have led to a verbal agreement that sees Ramon join Jesmond Zerafa's team for good with Bondin, who spent the last two seaons on loan with Qormi, and Stefan Giglio moving in the opposite direction, also on a permanent basis. Frendo will join Qormi on a season-long loan deal.

Ramon has agreed a five-year contract with Valletta while his fellow Brazilian countryman Denni, who is also represented by former Floriana striker Edoardo do Nascimento, has inked a four-year deal.