Local soccer: Israeli transfer window to open today

Most of the action will likely take place in bottom sides, especially due to fact Tel Aviv's two top clubs are fighting against relegation.

By ALLON SINAI
Hapoel TA 298.88 (photo credit: AP)
Hapoel TA 298.88
(photo credit: AP)
Israel's Premier League clubs will finally be able to introduce some new faces to their squads on Tuesday when the January transfer window opens. Most of the action will likely take place in the bottom sides, especially due to the fact that Tel Aviv's two top clubs are fighting against relegation. Maccabi is looking to secure the signature of Betar Jerusalem defender Tomer Ben-Yosef. About $150,000 separates the two teams and the deal is expected to go through in the coming days. Hapoel Tel Aviv is in negotiations with three Bulgarians from Levski Sofia. Dimitar Telkiyski, Hristo Yovov and Elin Topuzakov have been earmarked by coach Eli Gutman as players that can help his team avoid relegation to the National League. In the meantime, Hapoel striker Lior Asulin is on his way out of the club after he was late to return from holiday and was forced to train on his own as a punishment. Maccabi Haifa will strengthen its squad in the transfer window thanks to the acquisition of South African striker Thembinkosi Fanteni. The 23-year-old has been named in the South African squad for the African Cup of Nations and will already be leaving the team next week for the tournament, which ends in February 10.