Eastbourne Eagles expect to sign Swedish reserve Ricky Kling on loan from Lakeside tonight.

Kling has been left out of the Hammers’ new line-up and, subject to agreeing personal terms, will come in alongside compatriot Simon Gustafson at the bottom of the Eagles’ order.

That leaves Arlington supreme Bob Dugard with just one place left in his line-up and about six average points with which to work.

Kling is in Sussex today and will meet Dugard to discuss a one-year deal.

Dugard said: “Ricky would probably say himself Arlington is his favourite track.

“We definitely want him. I’vet wanted him for weeks. He has got to be more solid on a 4.90 average than bringing in a three or four-pointer.

“I know he is very excited about coming to us and I don’t envisage any sticking points.”

The under-rated Kling averaged 6.24 paid points per four rides in all matches for the Hammers last season as they reached the finals of both the Elite League play-offs and Craven Shield.

The 21-year-old from Mallila had a very creditable 38 wins or paid wins in 160 rides and, as in 2007, proved he can be a handy performer at Arlington.

In three visits to Sussex last term, he won the reserves’ race twice, had victories over Lee Richardson and Cameron Woodward and posted scores of 8+2 (5), 9+1 (7) and 7+2 (5) for an average of 6.82 including bonuses.

Kling would join Davey Watt, Lewis Bridger, Denis Gizatullin, Woodward, Gustafson and one other.

Last season’s Eagles skipper Richardson will spearhead the new Lakeside one-to-seven. He joins Adam Shields, Jonas Davidson and Joonas Kylmakorpi in a strong looking top four.

Kauko Nieminen and reserve Stuart Dobson are also on board, with the last reserve spot to be shared between Chris Mills and another rider to be named.

Meanwhile Dugard admits he is yet to do a deal to offload wantaway Edward Kennett, for whom he has set a reduced asking price of £45,000.

Kennett has admitted he would like to ride for Coventry.

He had also been linked with Peterborough, but the Panthers’ promoter Mick Bratley has described Dugard’s asking price as ludicrous.

Bratley added: “I know some people think I’m stupid, but I can assure them I’m not that stupid. We were briefly interested in Kennett but then someone else became available who we preferred.”