Portuguese striker for Pietà's Italy training camp

Premier League club Pietà Hotspurs have included Portuguese striker Oliver Pedro in their 20-man squad travelling to Italy today for a 10-day training camp at Chianciano, Rome.

The robust Pedro is one of four foreign players who will be assessed by the Hotspurs technical staff in view of registering their third overseas player for the new season.

At present, they have Serbia and Montenegro midfielder Zejlko Anicic on trial. Furthermore, two Italians, a striker and a midfielder who played Serie B football during their career, will also join the Pietà group.

The Hotspurs already signed Serb Branko Nisevic, formerly of Hibs, and Mauro Di Lello. The Italian is already in his country and will team up with the squad on their arrival today.

Also making the trip is new signing William Borg. He joined the Hotspurs from Rabat in midweek on a one-year loan period with an option of a permanent move at the end of the deal. This week, however, Pietà lost established striker Malcolm Licari to Marsaxlokk.

In Italy, the Hotspurs will be conducting their pre-season preparations in a top class sports complex some 170 km away from the Italian capital.

The Hotspurs return on August 11.

Pietà's squad:
S. Darmanin, A. Hogg; P. Aquilina, C. Okoh, D. Okonkwo, M. Di Lello, G. Sciberras; A. Debono, I. Woods, Z. Anicic, C. Frendo, S. Ciscaldi, K. Sammut, C. Camilleri, A. Spiteri, E. Azzopardi, B. Nisevic, W. Borg, K. Darmanin, O. Pedro.

Bajada's move hits a snag

Roderick Bajada's transfer from Hamrun Spartans to Floriana has hit a snag after the Malta U-21 midfielder failed to agree personal terms with the Greens.

Contacted by the Times yesterday, Floriana president Dennis Burke said the two clubs had reached an accord but the player's requests were over what the Greens could offer.

"The only problem with Bajada's transfer is that his demands are well over our paying structure. If he really wants to join Floriana he must accept our conditions. If not, the deal will fall through," Burke said.