Greek club Larissa target Haber

Greek top division side Larissa are keen to sign Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber and have already reached a verbal agreement with his club Haidari for his transfer.

Larissa, who knocked out Blackburn Rovers in the first round of the UEFA Cup last season, held talks with the president of Haidari FC earlier this week after they had sent an official letter expressing their interest in the Maltese goalkeeper.

Contacted by The Times in Greece yesterday, Haber confirmed that negotiations between Larissa and Haidari over his transfer have been concluded successfully.

"At this stage, I can only say that the two clubs have struck a deal over my transfer to Larissa," Haber said. "This has been confirmed to me by the president of Haidari. I'm obviously flattered by Larissa's interest as they are a top-division club in Greece but I asked to be given some time to weigh my options before making a decision on my future."

Haber, who turns 27 on Monday, had a mixed first season in Greek football after signing a two-year deal with second division club Haidari last summer. He played 17 league games for Haidari, who were relegated at the end of the season, but his performances appear to have caught the eye of Larissa as well as a couple of other Greek clubs.

Excellent displays in Malta's high-profile Euro 2008 qualifiers at home to Greece (0-1) and Turkey (2-2) also helped to boost Haber's reputation in Greek football.

Haber has always been adamant to ply his trade abroad. Before joining Haidari, Haber had spells in Bulgaria, Belgium and France as well as with a number of Maltese clubs, namely Floriana, Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk.

Having spent a few days training with an English club last summer, Haber has not given up hope of playing in the UK in the near future. Sources have told The Times that Haber is willing to bide his time in view of a potential offer from an English club.

Valletta snap up Hibs' Edmond Agius

Meanwhile, Valletta are close to agreeing terms with a Bundesliga club for the transfer of their highly-rated Nigerian striker Frank Temile.

As reported by The Times earlier this week, Temile has been attracting interest from a number of unnamed German clubs and one of his suitors stepped up efforts in recent days to secure his services. Temile returned to Malta on Wednesday afternoon after spending 10 days in Germany.

Valletta yesterday made their first signing ahead of the 2008-09 season after Edmond Agius, of Hibs, agreed to join them on a five-year contract. Having reached the age of 21 in February, Agius, a key member of the Malta U-21 squad, was free to talk to other clubs on the basis of his 'amateur' status at Hibs.

The Citizens, led by president Victor Sciriha, are also pressing hard to complete the signings of three Malta internationals, Luke Dimech, Jamie Pace and Cleaven Frendo.