LARS Jacobsen says the lure of a two-year deal persuaded him to sign for Blackburn Rovers yesterday rather than extend his stay at Everton.

The Danish international right back joined Rovers after turning down a new one-year deal at Everton as well as offers from other top flight clubs, with Burnley among those to be linked.

It is expected to be the first of two signings in the space of 24 hours for Rovers, who are due to complete the capture of young Amiens midfielder Steven N’Zonzi this morning.

Jacobsen was also a Rovers target last summer when he left German club Nuremberg and is likely to be their main replacement for the departed Andre Ooijer.

With the World Cup just a year away, the 6ft defender is determined to become a regular in the Premier League after injuries limited his appearances during his 12 months at Goodison Park.

An impressive appearance as a half-time substitute in the FA Cup final – in front of the watching Sam Allardyce – was just one of six games the 29-year-old played for Everton, with his debut only coming in March following a serious shoulder injury.

Jacobsen, who was on a flight back to Denmark last night but is expected to link up with Rovers at training before the end of the week, said: “Blackburn needed a right back and it is great for me to sign a long deal.

“Everton offered me a new contract but it was only one year.

“I have been at two clubs in the last two years and I wanted to be at a club for more than one year.

“I hope I can perform well. This is a great chance for me at Blackburn.”

Jacobsen’s agent Karsten Aabrink believes Rovers have got themselves a gem and thinks the presence of the highly respected Allardyce at Ewood swayed him.

He said: “Other clubs from a high level were also interested but Lars thinks good things are happening at Blackburn, which are very interesting to him, and he wants to be part of that.

“He also knows they have a good manager who is bringing the team together.

“He knows Sam Allardyce is high quality in his work with the defence and he wants to become a better player.

“Lars plays for the national team and is a very experienced player.

"I have spoken to Morten Olsen (the Denmark coach) and he is very pleased about the transfer.

“But Lars has been very unlucky with injuries in the last two years.

"He injured his shoulder on international duty last year.

"He would have liked to play every game with Everton but it was not possible.”

Jacobsen, who has 22 caps for Denmark and started their last World Cup qualifier, previously represented German side Hamburg as well as Danish clubs Odense and FC Copenhagen - linking up with fellow Rovers signing Elrio van Heerden at the latter.

Chairman John Williams said: “We’re delighted to sign him because right back was a priority for us.

“He is an experienced international who has got Premier League experience as well. We were linked with him a year ago but it wasn’t to be then.”