Comvalius back in Antalya as Nalchik move beckons

Birkirkara's Sylvano Comvalius appears on the verge of joining Spartak Nalchik.

The Dutchman flew back to Antalya, Turkey, on Monday to rejoin Nalchik's pre-season training camp after impressing the Russians during a three-day trial last week.

As reported by The Times last week, Nalchik were poised to make an official approach for Comvalius who is contracted with Birkirkara until 2011.

The Stripes had been reluctant to send Comvalius for a trial but relented after the player reaffirmed his willingness to accept Nalchik's invitation.

Informed sources said that top Spartak Nalchik's officials were due to meet last night to discuss Comvalius's transfer before initiating talks with Birkirkara.

The 22-year-old forward, who joined the Stripes from Ħamrun Spartans, is expected to play a friendly for Spartak Nalchik today before returning to Malta tomorrow.

Birkirkara have given Comvalius permission to leave the country for a second time in the space of 10 days after concluding that it makes little sense to stand in the way of a player who is keen to seek pastures new.

However, a Birkirkara official told The Times that Spartak Nalchik would have to table a substantial offer to get Comvalius.

The former Ajax trainee is Birkirkara's leading scorer in the Premier League with 11 goals.

After returning from his first trial with Nalchik last Friday, Comvalius was left out of Birkirkara's starting team for last weekend's 2-1 win over Msida and only made a brief appearance as a second-half substitute.