Stoke City boss Mark Hughes admits they've struggled to land their transfer targets this season.
But Hughes denies that it is down to a significant lack of funds at the club or a mean, penny-pinching board of directors.
"We had a number of targets that we made good bids for.
"But having money and the opportunity to spend it is not always a given.
"The club selling holds all the cards. You get so far down the line but a lot of things need to fall into place before you conclude a deal.
"Sometimes we probably offered over the odds because we wanted the player that much.
"We were prepared to do that and there's definitely been a willingness inside the club to spend the money.
"But it still has to be the right deal.
"I'm sure the money will be there to spend in the future - I'd like to think so - and if there are other opportunities we will pursue them."
