DAVID Goodwillie is expected to become a Blackburn Rovers player within the next 48 hours - despite Rangers’ attempts to take advantage of a mix-up to hijack the deal.

Confusion surrounded the 22-year-old’s £2.8million move from Dundee United today after he travelled back to Scotland from the north west, having not completed his move as he initially had expected.

It is understood Steve Kean was waiting to speak to the player before completing the deal but, with the move in danger of breaking down, sources close to Goodwillie have said Kean personally contacted him to reassure him he was wanted at Ewood.

Goodwillie is set to return to Lancashire tomorrow to undergo a medical and finalise the move to see off Rangers’ determined efforts to sign him.

Dundee United feared Goodwillie’s Rovers switch was off this lunchtime after the player rang to inform them he was returning home to Scotland, having not completed his Ewood move.

Boss Kean, along with Ryan Nelsen, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Jason Roberts, was meeting owners Venky’s in India as they returned from the Premier League Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.

He was keen to speak to Goodwillie before the deal went through but, after a couple of hours of confusion yesterday, he was quick to reassure the striker he was wanted at Rovers.

Goodwillie believes a move to the Premier League will be a fresh start for him, having hit the headlines on and off the field in Scotland, and is confident of sealing the deal shortly.

Dundee United also favoured Rovers’ bid over Rangers’ due to the £2million being paid up front, but were about to accept the Glasgow giants’ latest offer during the confusion.

Rangers are now understood to have had five bids rejected for the striker but are refusing to give up in their pursuit of the striker.

Rovers are also hoping to complete the signing of Serbian midfielder Radosav Petrovic shortly, with the deal waiting on work permit clearance, as Kean’s Premier League preparations begin to take shape.