Allardyce - "I Want £30,000,000"

Last updated : 19 April 2006 By Matt Bottom
Allardyce said: "The market has become inflated because of the lack of numbers. We are all fighting over a small amount of talent.

"Five years ago we could sign players for 40 or 50 per cent less than they were on and take them for nothing.

"Now if they are any good it's a £4million fee and another £2m in his contract. Good players know what they are worth and if you don't give them it somebody else will.

"If I had spent £40m I could have got fourth," he said. "£30m would let you finish sixth now, or even seventh. The spending equates to points gained.

"We have created a level in our own squad and if we want to go out there to increase it we will have to pay more for it. It's a difficulty for a number of Premiership clubs - not just ourselves."

Meanwhile, Bolton are reportedly tracking Real Zaragoza's prolific striker Diego Milito, Espanyol's attacking midfielder Ivan De La Pena and fellow Espanyol defender Alberto Lopo.