Stoke City technical director Mark Cartwright says Premier League clubs cannot afford to buy locally.

Cartwright is adamant that scouring the overseas market for bargains is a better option.

"Clubs will be quoted £6m for players at Championship clubs but you can get established international players from abroad for the same price," said Cartwright in the Mail on Sunday.

"Anybody in their right mind would make the same choice. As a club, you look everywhere for the best deal. And nine times out of 10 you will find the best opportunities abroad. Unfortunately, that is the way football has gone."