Well, which club are you for starters? bigger the reputation of the club the better. Another way which seems
to work well is declare your admiration for the player in question. I tried to sign "Jordan Lukaku" brother of the Chelsea
striker, you can get him from Anderlecht for free as he is a youth player, but he refuses to discuss terms! even im Ajax.
So I declare my admiration for him and then he suddenly talks, lol. Got him in my youth setup now, so it does work.
While also your an unknown manager with no experience etc, the first season is always hard! not only with getting players
but also good staff. But garenteed after 1 season winning lets say the local cup, the league, and maybe another major trophy
you will be a force to be reckoned with then and you will find it much much more easier getting whoever you want!
You do know also by even getting a player who is a friend or even brother of a star you want etc, makes it easy for you to
get that other star right? and also get players to recommend signings, its also a good way to get unknown stars which will
do good for you.