Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb admits the days of big money signings are long gone. Large transfer fees and matching wage packets, coupled with falling attendances and a greater need to balance the books mean the Teessiders have had to adopt a more inventive approach in recent years despite their club record &pouns;12.7million swoop for striker Afonso Alves.

Speaking at a BBC Tees fans' forum, Lamb said: "The Juninho, Ravanelli, Emerson, Merson era followed Bryan Robson as player manager, which again was a catalyst for the new stadium and fitted in very well for the club at the time.

"The arrival of Steve Gibson as sole owner meant that we were able to lay down plans which were also good for the club.

"The bottom line, of course, is that we could afford it then. Juninho cost us seven million US dollars, which was a good fee at the time for a player who was Brazilian player of the year.

"But if you tried to do that transfer deal now, it would cost an astronomical amount of money when you consider that Jo cost £19million and Robinho was £32million.

"Prices have gone right through the roof. Now it's about what is best for us at this time.

"Policy is very important to us, and that's why we have sat down with (manager) Gareth Southgate and formulated a plan to take the club into the future.

"When we can compete for the best young players, we will do that.

"But we will also give a chance to the best young players in the north-east because we believe the area is one of the best for producing young talent."