Serbian striker set for City trial

Valletta are awaiting the arrival of a Serbian forward as they look to complete their foreign players' line-up for next season. The Citizens have confirmed Bulgarian midfielder Milen Penchev and signed Jaroslav Marx from Balzan Youths.

The Serbian forward, expected to join the squad in the coming days, will only be offered a contract by the Citizens if he leaves a good impression on coach J.J. Aquilina.

Mauro Brincat, of Hamrun Spartans, is another player who could don the Valletta colours next season. Negotiations between the Citizens and the Spartans are still ongoing but sources said a deal could be agreed soon.

Hibernians have failed in their bid to sign Jonathan Holland, the Floriana midfielder. A Floriana spokesman said that the Paolites' offer to exchange Holland with left-back Miguel Mifsud was turned down.

Floriana, meanwhile, play a second warm-up match in the space of three days when they face Birkirkara today at their ground in Independence arena with kick-off time set for 6.15 p.m.

On Monday, the Greens were held to a goalless draw by newly-promoted Premier League side Lija Athletic at the same venue.

Marsaxlokk are another Premier League club with a vacancy for a non-Maltese player. The southerners are expecting a 33-year-old Serbian midfielder for a trial next week.

Victor Sciriha, the Marsaxlokk president, has not yet given up hope of signing NK Primorje midfielder Goran Jolic even if negotiations have been put on hold.

Pietà held

Pietà Hotspurs yesterday continued their preparations for the new season when they played a friendly against Division One side Balzan Youths.

The match at the Hibs Ground ended in a 1-1 draw. Simon Mizzi put the Youths ahead in the first half with Pietà's new Bosnian signing, Senad Repuh, equalising from the penalty spot after the break.