Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish fears being priced out of a summer move for Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.
The Blues were linked with a swoop for Pavlyuchenko in the winter transfer window when his White Hart Lane career appeared to be coming to an end.
The Russian had been frustrated with his lack of opportunities during the first half of the season and Spurs were willing to listen to offers.
Blues boss McLeish admits now it would now be difficult to afford Pavlyuchenko in the wake of his performances over the past few weeks.
"His price will have gone up," McLeish said in the Daily Mirror.
"I've given him too much confidence by saying I wanted him!"