Newcastle United chief scout Graham Carr admits the price of shopping in the lower divisions is making it more difficult for clubs of their size.
Newcastle still check out the lower divisions.
But Carr told the Evening Chronicle: "It's not a case of not doing that. I think it is difficult to do it now.
"If you go for a player at a lower league club there becomes no value.
"You end up paying more if you are a Liverpool or Newcastle.
"Be honest, where would you get a Yohan Cabaye for £4m or £5m?
"Or where would you get a Cheick Tiote for £3.5m? It is about value."