Slovenian star Matej Zagar is Eastbourne Eagles’ No.1 for the 2010 Elite League season.

The 26-year-old former Grand Prix regular has agreed terms with the Arlington outfit He joins on a year’s loan from Swindon, who he helped reach the play-off final last season.

Eagles had been strongly linked with Danish ace Hans Andersen but are delighted to take Zagar on a 9.15 average.

Team manager Trevor Geer said: “Matej is a young rider who is on the up. He has improved every year.

“We are absolutely delighted to have him in the team. We want a group of seven riders who can all improve and he fits the bill for us.”

Zagar was born in Ljubilana and has plenty of World Cup experience as top man in his national team.

He was ranked seventh in the world in 2006 and is a former European champion.

The move to Eastbourne sees him succeed the likes of Martin Dugard, Nicki Pedersen and Scott Nicholls as Eastbourne’s No.1.

He had been linked with a switch to Belle Vue before making the move to East Sussex.

Meanwhile Andersen is believed to be interesting Ipswich as he attempts to stay in the Elite League.