Sussex still hope to sign a second overseas player for next season, despite chief executive Nigel Russell admitting: "the trail has gone cold."

The county were rebuffed in their attempts to bring Harbhajan Singh to Hove last week when the Indian off-spinner opted to sign a one-year contract for Lancashire instead.

A slow bowler remains their main target with Australian Stuart MacGill, who is currently on a short-term contract with Nottinghamshire, and Indian Anil Kumble on their shortlist, although Russell says no fresh approaches have been made since they were turned down by Harbhajan.

But if Sussex cannot land a second spinner they may turn their attentions to a batsman or seam bowler.

The matter will be discussed in the next few days by coach Peter Moores, skipper Chris Adams and John Barclay, the county's newly appointed chairman of cricket.

Barclay, the former Sussex skipper, has been described as the county's new 'cricket tsar' by chairman David Green.

Russell said: "All we've asked John to do is keep a father's eye on it. Our main committee like to have their say on cricket matters and we won't remove that from them and it certainly does not reduce the power of the captain or the coach.

"John will get together with Chris and Peter and consider our strategic approach.

"It is more than likely we will look for a second overseas player, but if we can't find someone at the right price or who doesn't fit the profile of the sort of player who can improve the side then we will do without and look elsewhere."

A shake-up of the county staff seems certain with seven players out of contract at the end of the season.

Only three of them - Robin Martin-Jenkins, Tim Ambrose and Kevin Innes - have been Championship regulars this season.

The others hoping for new deals are Will House, Jamie Carpenter, Carl Hopkinson and Dominic Clapp. Contract talks will be held next month after the 2nd XI complete their fixtures.

Martin-Jenkins is the most high profile of the seven out of contract after turning down the offer of a year's extension at the end of last season.

He said: "I was given various targets for this season in terms of staying fit and getting a certain number of runs and wickets which I've done and I'm hoping to end the season on a high. I'm very keen to get it sorted as soon as possible."