Katich is one of three batsmen under consideration

Hampshire have targeted three Australian batsmen in their search for another overseas player for the 2003 season.

The relegated county have set their sights on Victorian Brad Hodge and New South Wales pair Simon Katich and Michael Clarke.

New coach Paul Terry and chairman Rod Bransgrove have flown out to Australia to meet with the trio for talks.

Hampshire have already secured Aussie leg-spinner Shane Warne, who spent the 2000 season at The Rose Bowl, to fill the captaincy role vacated by Robin Smith.

On Monday Hampshire ruled out a move for Australian veteran Mark Waugh.

"Mark Waugh is a player we've looked at but Paul Terry really wanted a young player and he's the boss," said Bransgrove.

Bransgrove revealed earlier this week that Hampshire had just the one player in mind.

"Paul has a lot of contacts in Australia and feels this player can really make an impact," he said.

"Everything's been agreed in principle and I'll meet the new player this week before an announcement is made."

But the latest revelation indicates negotiations with the unnamed player turned sour, leaving Hampshire to consider their options.

Meanwhile, former Zimbabwe all-rounder Neil Johnson has failed to impress in two years in Southampton and is now out of contract.

India's Sachin Tendulkar was one name connected with the job but a deal was complicated by the international calendar.