Ħamrun Spartans in advanced talks to sign attacking midfielder El Bakhtaoui

Ħamrun Spartans are set to continue to strengthen their squad as they are closing in on signing attacking midfielder Faissal El Bakhtaoui.

The French-born forward, who also holds a Moroccan passport, is currently in advanced talks with the Malta champions over personal terms and a deal could be reached in the coming days, the Times of Malta can confirm.

The Spartans have been very active during this summer’s transfer window to try and strengthen their squad, despite the fact that the club were forced to sit out from this season’s Champions League qualifiers following a ruling by UEFA, that denied the Reds a significant financial revenue from their participation.

The Reds have already signed goalkeeper Henry Bonello, Estonian defender Nikita Baranov, midfielder Luke Gambin and striker Franklin Sasere.

Now, the Reds are closing in on El Bakhtaoui who boasts a very interesting CV.

In fact, after starting his career in France with Racing Club de la Baie, the left-footed forward headed to Scotland where he signed for Dunfermline and stayed with the Division One side for four seasons, netting 31 goals in 70 appearances.

In 2016 he joined Dundee and played for them for three seasons before moving to Queen of the South.

Last season, El Bakhtaoui joined Italian side Nocerina where he made 15 appearances and scored eight goals.

Should the transfer of El Bakhtaoui is completed it would further add more depth to coach Mark Buttigieg ahead of what promises to be another challenging season for the Reds who are looking to retain the championship crown they won last April.