Valletta seek to make Grima move permanent

Premier League club Valletta will be looking to make Massimo Grima's stay a permanent one this summer after the international midfielder left a good impression during his loan spell last season.

Grima is on the books of Sliema Wanderers who last week announced that he does not figure in the plans of coach Edward Aquilina and was transfer-listed.

Last year, Valletta were deeply concerned with addressing a dire financial situation and were forced to operate on a tight budget.

However, vice-president Paul Spiteri yesterday told The Times that Grima will be their prime target in the close season.

"Sliema are only interested in transfering the player on a permanent move," he said. "We want Grima to stay because he had such an excellent season with us.

"We know other clubs could be after his signature but after next week's annual general meeting the new committee will start negotiations with Sliema.

"Massimo looks happy with us and does not want to move. This transfer could take long but we'll definitely do our utmost and keep him with Valletta."

Yesterday, Sliema proposed Grima in a player exchange deal for Birkirkara's Chucks Nwoko.

The Stripes, however, made it clear that if their unsettled midfielder has to go, the only way for the other club to sign him was to pay the full transfer fee according to the Malta FA parameters.

Carabott transfer to Birkirkara off

Free agent David Carabott's transfer to Birkirkara has stalled.

Veteran wing-back Carabott, who was on loan with Gozitan champions Ghajnsielem last season, was widely expected to make a return to the Premier League and sign for the Stripes after obtaining his release documents from former club Marsaxlokk.

Yesterday, however, top officials from Birkirkara told The Times that the deal fell through after both parties had failed to reach an agreement.