Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is determined to get value for money in the January market.
Deals for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge and Blackpool's Tom Ince are lined up for early January.
But the £12million swoop for England star Sturridge, 23, hit a snag over agent fees.
And Blackpool have told Liverpool to forget about trying to nab Ince on the cheap after snubbing a £4m offer.
But Rodgers is sure he will be able to add players of the right quality - and the right character.
He said: "You have to get hungry players in who want to work and want to fight to be successful.
"They will get a good contract coming here but if they want to argue over money, I don't want them.
"In my experience those players will eventually let you down.
"That's the message for any player coming here - you can't take the money and run. You have to earn the right to play for this club and help us succeed."