Burnley boss Owen Coyle has revealed that Wolves manager Mick McCarthy laughed when he told him the transfer budget he is working with as he tries to keep the Clarets in the Premier League.
The 14th-placed Clarets have exceeded expectations so far this season with their hard-working squad - assembled on a shoestring compared to the rest of the top flight - doing the manager proud.
"Mick McCarthy nearly fell off his chair laughing when I told him what our budget was," said Coyle of his meeting with the Wolves boss before Sunday's 2-0 defeat.
With more than half the season to go Coyle knows they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. But with the transfer window approaching he will not be able to make big-money signings to strengthen his squad.
Coyle will aim to make do with the odd bargain buy and loan signings, having already been linked with a bid to bring in young Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere on a temporary deal.
He added: "If we have money to spend we will try to spend it but, if not, we will make a fist of it as we always do and give it 100% every match.
"And although I am loathe to speak about other teams' players I think it is fair to say that Arsene Wenger knows the regard I have for the player (Wilshere)."
Coyle raised the possibility of taking Wilshere, 18 on New Year's Day, on loan after the two clubs' 1-1 draw at Turf Moor last week.
"We had a chat and we will take it from there," said the Scot. "Arsenal have been blighted by injuries so there are things they may have to look at.
"I would also suggest there is more than Burnley that will be admirers of Jack Wilshere. He is a gifted individual who will continue to get better and I believe he will become an Arsenal regular and a full England international."
