Transfer market tougher as financial gap narrows

The narrowing of the financial gap between Chelsea and their English Premier League rivals has made the transfer market a much tougher proposition, according to the London club's coach.

Roman Abramovich's arrival as Blues owner in 2003 saw Chelsea dominate the transfer market, with few clubs able to match their spending power. However, investment from the United States of America has seen Manchester United and Liverpool overtake Chelsea's expenditure this season.

And Chelsea coach Avram Grant has explained that the club need to be wiser in the transfer market, now that their rivals can match their previously lavish spending. "Two or three years ago it was much easier because Man Utd and Liverpool didn't have the money to spend like they do now," he said.

"Now there are new owners at a lot of clubs so you have to be smart and clever and take the right person who is good for you. I don't think the money will be a problem here if we want the right player. But the financial competition is between more clubs than it was two or three years ago.

"Money alone doesn't bring you change. You need a combination of money and the right way of thinking to take a club forward. But without money it is very difficult."