West Ham manager Slaven Bilic unsympathetic to Rafa Benitez's transfer complaints at Newcastle ahead of St James' Park clash

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Slaven Bilic insists he has little sympathy for Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez over his complaints about a lack of transfer activity — because they have spent more money than West Ham.

The two managers meet at St James' Park on Saturday, unexpectedly having both lost their opening two Premier League games.

But while Bilic has gone quietly about his business in the transfer window, Benitez has constantly moaned that he is not getting the players he wants from owner Mike Ashley.   

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has little sympathy for his Newcastle counterpart Rafa Benitez

The Spanish manager has constantly moaned that he is not getting the players he wants

West Ham have spent £40million so far this summer, but have sold £22m-worth of players, leaving their net expenditure at £18m. Newcastle have only spent £38m, but they have received only £12m in fees, equating to a net spend of £26m.

'I think in this transfer window, I don't know exactly but I follow who they have bought and sold,' Bilic said. 

'They are not happy with the transfers but they spent more money than we have spent in this transfer window, if we are talking about net money.' 

That could all change if Bilic lands his No 1 target William Carvalho. The Croatian is desperate for a quality defensive midfielder. Sporting Lisbon are reportedly demanding £20m up front, with a further £17m dependent on clauses.  

West Ham's spending could increase if they land their top target, midfielder William Carvalho

Bilic admits that if they do not sign Carvalho then it will be too late to chase another target, but is hopeful they will complete the deal.

'It's hard to be objective, but I am quite confident,' he said. 'It's the position we have been trying to [cover] for a couple of seasons. I feel we need someone to boost our team and quality. 

'That's why we also offloaded some players to get the budget for him or for another player in that position. The quality player and not the quantity one, a squad player. They are not easy to get them but we are doing our best and hopefully we will do it.'