Burnley may hold fire on long-term target Josh Brownhill because the Bristol City midfielder will have £7million buy-out clause in the summer.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche is a long-term admirer of City skipper Brownhill, who began his career at Preston.
The Robins can name their price for Brownhill in this transfer window because the 24-year-old has 18 months left on his contract.
But a £7million release clause will kick in at the end of the season, which will make him more affordable for the Clarets.
Dyche has not signed anyone this month and says it is difficult because of Burnley’s limited budget.
“For me it’s always been difficult,” he said. “That’s life at Burnley, it’s never a given, it’s always a tough market.
“There aren’t many deals we’ve had that have been really straight forward. Some have, but not many. There have been complications.
“We’re often first in and first out because we don’t hit the finance that the clubs want so you’re out of the equation before you’re even really in it. For us it’s just standard.”
Burnley face Manchester United on Wednesday night looking to kick on from their impressive 2-1 win over third-place Leicester on Sunday, a victory which ended a run of four straight defeats in the Premier League.
On United, Dyche said: "They are still in transition. It has taken a big transition from Sir Alex Ferguson to where it is now.
"They are still a good side. They have some very good players, and it is a tough task going to Old Trafford."
Ashley Barnes is out for around a month for the Clarets following a hernia operation, while Johann Berg Gudmundsson will also be missing for the trip to Manchester as he is suffering with a hamstring problem.
