Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is remaining pessimistic about his sides chances for the coming season.
Spurs slipped out of the top four last year after securing their place amongst Europes elite in 2010.
However, the increase of quality at rival clubs has seen the former Portsmouth manager’s transfer movements limited, with Brad Friedel the only senior player to join since the window opened in July.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson recently suggested that next season’s title race could be the tighest in years with five teams looking to compete for the top prize.
Yet, the Scot failed to include Spurs in the five and Redknapp concedes the North London outfit will find it increasingly difficult to force their way into the mix next season.
“Imagine what their wages will be. It’s incredible. They are all on 100 grand a week plus. Wages have gone crazy,” said Redknapp.
“It’s gone beyond belief and made it really hard to compete for top players. If you want to be a top-four side, it’s difficult because we can’t pay those kind of wages.
“Our chairman Daniel Levy runs the club well, we get 36,000 fans, you’re not going to put the club in hock. How do you compete with the Man Citys of this world?”
Discussing the challenge facing Spurs for a top-five spot, Redknapp added “Fergie didn’t mention us. He stuck Liverpool in there this year and probably with what they have brought in, it’s looking that way.”