BLACKBURN Rovers have informed Genk that they will not be taking up the option to sign Greg Sandomierski after lining up a deal for Portsmouth keeper Simon Eastwood.

Sandomierski spent the season on loan at Ewood Park and Genk had been keen to find out whether Rovers wanted to sign the Pole on a permanent basis.

Rovers had first option to sign Sandomierski as part of the original loan deal but it is understood they have now informed the Belgian side that they have decided not to pursue a move, after agreeing terms to sign Eastwood from Portsmouth.

Eastwood featured 30 times for Pompey this term and will provide back-up to Jake Kean and Paul Robinson, who will miss the start of next season as he recovers from a blood clot.

The 23-year-old new boy is highly rated by Rovers’ goalkeeping coach John Keeley, who made the move from Fratton Park when Michael Appleton was appointed as manager in January.

Eastwood, who can move on a free transfer because his 24th birthday comes four days before the expiry of his contract on June 30, had been set to remain number one at Portsmouth despite their relegation to League Two.

Eastwood had long been expected to sign a new three-year deal at the south coast club but has informed Portsmouth that he will now depart following a late offer from Rovers.

It mirrors the deal agreed with Millwall winger Chris Taylor, who had also been set to remain at his current club before telling the Lions this week that he had decided to move to Ewood.

Rovers are yet to confirm Gary Bowyer as the club’s new permanent boss, with the 41-year-old set to return from holiday tomorrow, but have already given him the go-ahead to line up the signings.

The deals may not be confirmed until after Bowyer is officially appointed, but Rovers felt they risked missing out on the duo if they did not make offers to them quickly – even though they currently do not have a permanent boss.

Eastwood was born in Luton but the 6ft 1in keeper started his career at Huddersfield and also had spells with Oxford and non-league club FC Halifax Town.

Portsmouth boss Guy Whittingham said: “It’s disappointing because we had agreed a deal with Eastie and were just waiting for him to come back from holiday to sign everything.

“But he had an offer from a Championship club and felt it was better for him, so we move on.

“His girlfriend is expecting so I suppose that has come into it and while I am disappointed I am not going to have a pop at him.

“Good luck to him. He’s a great lad and I hope he has made the right decision for his career.”

Sandomierski had impressed in eight appearances at the end of the season following injuries to both Kean and Robinson, who came close to leave Rovers to join West Ham during the January transfer window.

But a fee would have been required to sign Sandomierski and the Pole will now depart.

It also remains to be seen if forward David Goodwillie will still be at the club at the start of the new club, with Hearts interested in the 24-year-old.

Goodwillie started Rovers’ final two games of the season but had featured rarely and had a loan spell at Crystal Palace earlier in the campaign.

Hearts’ financial issues mean they are likely to approach Rovers about a season-long loan. Rovers would be required to subsidise some of the Scot’s wages.

But Hearts cannot make a move until the SPL season is over because they are barred from signing players over the age of 21 until then, following a late payment of wages.

Venky’s are expected to hold further discussions in the next few days about a possible resolution to off-field issues at Rovers.

Global advisor Shebby Singh remains in India but could return to England in the near future.