Aston Villa's surprise move for Colorado Rapids striker Omar Cummings is part of the club's scouting overhaul.
The Birmingham Mail says Villa are reluctant to admit it publicly but the club's previous ad hoc approach focused primarily on British players and was in dire need of improving.
And the club's hierarchy now hope to put in place a worldwide network which helps manager Gerard Houllier recruit some of the best young players on the planet.
"The scouting network was one of the things myself and Randy spent a lot of time discussing during the interview process with Gerard," admitted Villa chief Paul Faulkner.
"It is important for us to establish a really effective scouting system in the club.
"It will take a lot of time. We've got Jeff Vetere, who's come in. Jeff's got experience with Newcastle and Real Madrid.
''He's very well connected in the game and speaks six or seven languages, which helps."
