YORK City could look to foreign fields in the search for fresh talent for next season.

Having got most of his off-field plans now in place for the revamped club, City supremo John Batchelor admitted attention was now being turned to team-building.

In particular, the club is planning to draw on the extensive contacts new coach Luther Blissett will bring to Bootham Crescent.

The former Watford legend has strong links to Italian football from his time with AC Milan and, closer to home, with the likes of Aston Villa and their manager Graham Taylor.

"We will be looking at a number of players and not necessarily British players," Batchelor told the Evening Press.

He added tantalisingly: "Perhaps we need a bit of Latin flair."

The City supremo, who this week revealed former England striker Blissett has joined City's coaching set up, said: "We have obviously spent a lot of time on the commercial side of things in recent weeks.

"The problem with that is not everyone can see what we are doing.

"What is starting to happen now is the lists of players released and available are coming out and we can now start to address the playing side of things."

Blissett admitted he would be looking to exploit his contacts with old boss Taylor in particular to reap dividends for City.

"I spoke to Graham - I rung him and told him and he said to keep him informed," said Blissett.

"I'd like to think we could benefit with players from Aston Villa. In football, you do get these relationships with people who were your manager and you do use that to the best advantage to benefit your club.

"If I spot a player from Aston Villa which the manager is in agreement with that he is worth pursuing then I will make the first contact if needed, otherwise Terry will do it as normal."

Batchelor said he was delighted that his target of 1,500 season ticket sales had been surpassed after running a joint promotion with the Evening Press enabling fans to buy their tickets at last season's prices.

"It is brilliant news and obviously we are delighted," said Batchelor.

"I don't set targets if I don't think they are achievable but the fact we have done it so quickly is fantastic.

"There seems to be a real buzz around the place and it is really looking exciting for next season.

"Hopefully, we will be able to fill the stadium on match days because we will also be doing a lot of work to promote games as well."

Updated: 09:01 Wednesday, May 29, 2002