COLIN Todd is ready to raid the continent once again in search of rich transfer pickings.

The Wanderers boss, exasperated by prices being quoted on the domestic market, will embark on a series of shuttle scouting missions next week.

He will make up to three trips abroad, targeting Scandinavia in particular, as he steps up his efforts to strengthen his squad for the promotion challenge and beyond.

Todd has publicly declared his intention of signing up to three players to capitalise on his team's scintillating start to the season and has earmarked a number of players in the Premier League and First Division of the Nationwide League.

But he refuses to pay the sky high prices he has been quoted.

"Players in this country just aren't worth the risk at the prices I'm being quoted," he explains.

"Clubs don't want to let their players go, unless you are prepared to make a ridiculous offer. One manager actually told me that he might consider doing business if I made 'a stupid offer'.

"I'm not prepared to do that. That's why I'm looking abroad."

Flushed with the success of his double capture of Per Frandsen and Michael Johansen from FC Copenhagen in the summer, Todd will again focus on Denmark but he wasn't prepared to discuss specific destinations.

The Burnden boss took the unusual step yesterday of addressing his players on the subject of his transfer hunt. He confirmed his intention to add to his promotion chasing squad but, anxious to keep dressing room morale sky high, he reassured them: "There'll be no guarantees that these players will go straight into the starting line-up, when and if I bring them in.

"It might take a week, maybe two or more before it happens, I don't know. But I do know is that we need to bring players in.

"We've done well to get into the position we are in but I have to make sure we stay there. We have injuries and suspensions to contend with and we need the strongest squad possible."

Wanderers youngsters will play two cup ties in four days at Burnden next week. On Monday they meet Lincoln City in a replay of their FA Youth Cup 2nd qualifying round tie then meet Everton on Thursday in the first round of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup.

Both games kick off at 7pm.

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