CANNY Clarets chief Owen Coyle insists he won’t spend for spending’s sake this summer – even though he admits Burnley’s current transfer record could go.

Coyle knows he needs to add to his Turf Moor troops ahead of a first season in the cash-laden world of the Premier League and has already started planning for mouth-watering games against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers.

He has already had two bids for players rejected but is not put off in his ambitions to make the Clarets competitive and is happy to work within his budget, which is miniscule in the world of the top flight with various reports claiming that no Burnley player will be paid more than £15,000 a week.

“We have all seen clubs spend beyond their resources and finish up in peril,” said the Scot.

“I have my budget and I will respect and work within that budget and get the best players I can for that.

“I want players here who are willing to represent this club. The motivation has to be about the football. If your motivation is about money, then you are not for me.

“Finance was never a motivation for me.

“As a player, I dropped salaries five times because I wanted to play.

“There will be some players out there who are quite happy to sit around as squad players.

“I think that’s a society thing, but there is also a group of players who want to play and that is the type I need to bring in.

“In terms of Premier League salaries, we will be the lowest payers, but equally, they will still be good salaries in life, so players have to be aware of that.”

Coyle is determined to add to his ranks ahead of the opening day trip to the Potteries and that means the club record fee of £1.3m – paid to Scunthorpe for Martin Paterson last summer – could be under threat.

“Who can say if the record will go or not,” added Coyle.

“I want to get the best players I can for Burnley but I want that to be within the budget set by the chairman and the board.

“We are looking to strengthen in every area but I am still very clear about what is required.”

As a way of strenthening, Coyle could use his contacts to tap in to the loan market – and may be trying to get a little help from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I spoke to Sir Alex while I was on holiday – but I can’t say what about,” he laughed.