Daniel Nwoke is widely expected to turn out for Msida St Joseph FC again this season after it emerged that the two parties held positive talks over a new contract yesterday.

The striker, widely regarded as one of Msida's key players for the past two seasons, was on the verge of signing for Pietà Hotspurs this summer after failing to agree terms with the Saints over a new deal.

Nwoke, 20, had even started pre-season training with Pietà, who have confirmed Bulgarian Georgi Deanov as coach for the second successive season. However, the move fell through, leaving the Nigerian searching for a new club only a few weeks before the start of the 2005-2006 Premier League.

Kevin Deguara, Msida SJ president, yesterday told The Times that his club have revived interest in Nwoke who is also reportedly keen on extending his stay with the Saints.

"Fresh discussions between Msida and Nwoke over a new contract have taken place over the last few days," Dr Deguara said.

"We are very close to reaching an agreement which would see Nwoke signing a new two-year contract with Msida St Joseph."

Msida are looking to finalise Nwoke's deal in time to make it possible for new coach Todor Raykov to field the Nigerian in his team's opening Premier League match against promoted team Mosta on Saturday.

Earlier this week, Msida completed the signing of another Nigerian striker, Olalekan Ibrahim Babatunde who was on the books of Belgian Division One club Mons last season.

The Saints, who reached the final of FA Trophy last season where they lost 2-1 to Birkirkara, will be relishing the prospect of having an all-African forward line composed of Nwoke and Babatunde.