Lille won't splash cash
Lille coach Claude Puel insists he is not prepared to break the bank for a new striker.
Lille coach Claude Puel insists he is not prepared to break the bank to bring in a new forward.The Ligue 1 side are enjoying a superb season and sit just three points behind reigning champions Lyon at the top of the table.
To boost their quest to secure UEFA Champions League football, reports have suggested Lille will recruit a proven striker during the January transfer window.
The likes of Bayern Munich attacker Roque Santa Cruz and Besiktas giant John Carew have been linked to the Northern French club.
But Lille coach Puel is not prepared to gamble on the club's financial future by splashing out on a big-money arrival.
"We will sign a forward only if there is an opportunity with a young player or a player that wants to boost his career," Puel told L'Equipe.
"We have to think that it is not logical to be second in the table with a ‚é¼22 million budget and we will be able to last there.
"In the long term, we won't be able to keep that group at such a level without additional finances.
"We want to build and have a new stadium in two years."
