VICE-chairman Tim Curtis says Worcestershire will continue to attempt to sign players of the quality of Sam Northeast alongside their desire to produce and play home-grown talent.

Curtis says England hopeful Northeast was “very seriously” considering the possibility of making the switch from Kent to New Road.

Ex-Worcestershire captain Curtis and other club representatives held talks with the highly-rated batsman, who captained Kent, after he was given permission to speak to other counties.

The 28-year-old right-hander, who scored 1,017 runs in the County Championship last season, eventually agreed to join Hampshire on a four-year contract on Monday.

As many as eight counties are believed to have been interested in his signature and Curtis says players of that ilk are what Worcestershire will be looking to attract to the club.

He said: “We continue to want to produce and play home-grown players but we also recognise the need to bring in players of quality who could make a difference to the team.

“We spoke to Sam and his representatives and he was very seriously considering coming to us.

“The fact someone of his quality was thinking that way shows the respect that we are held in as a club.

“Sam said he was impressed with Worcestershire and feels they have many good years ahead of them.

“It also shows the ambition of the club to sign players of that quality and it is something we will continue to pursue.”

Kent have received undisclosed compensation from Worcestershire's County Championship Division One rivals as Northeast, who looks set to be named four-day captain, had one year left on his contract.

Northeast said: "I'm hugely excited about joining Hampshire. It's a club and team with a bright future.

"I've had a really enjoyable 10 years at Kent and would like to wish the club and its supporters the best of luck for the future.

"It was an honour to be the captain for three years and I leave the club with many happy memories.

"I hope this move will also help me push on to fulfil my dream of playing for England."

Curtis is also heading up the County’s search to fill their overseas slots this summer.

Australian batsman Travis Head has already signed for the bulk of the 2018 campaign and is scheduled to play 10 Championship matches.

But the County are actively seeking to find a replacement for when Head is on international duty for a short spell in June and the finale to the season plus a T20 Blast specialist.