Tuesday 28 November 2017 23:18, UK
Sean Dyche admitted he was bemused by Rafael Benitez's comments that Newcastle are not in a position to compete with Burnley in the transfer market.
Newcastle manager Benitez is thought to be unhappy with the financial backing he has received since the club returned to the top flight, and suggested at the weekend they had been priced out of deals in the summer.
The Spaniard believes Burnley, Huddersfield and Bournemouth have larger budgets than him, which left the Clarets' boss to raise an eyebrow at Benitez's words.
Burnley manager Dyche said: "Someone sent me that. We're probably not the best example to use.
"Certainly not on wages. I don't think we're up there yet. It's probably stretching it a little bit to include us in that. I'd be surprised if we're thrown in the mix with that company on a wage scale.
"But I understand his point, trying to bring some reality that Newcastle historically have probably been more powerful financially than at this moment."
Dyche's side operate on one of the tighter budgets in the Premier League, but he has been allowed to break the club's transfer record four times in less than 18 months.
These were the signings of Steven Defour, Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady and Chris Wood, and Dyche admitted they always keep at least one eye on possible future deals.
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He added: "We're looking at options constantly, where you go to get your players and for what reason.
"The margin of difference now is enormous to go to the obvious next level.
"That's something that Benitez did say. I think one of the things he said was, 'if you want a top striker, it's £40m'. He's right there. The market has moved forward."
