PAUL Jewell concedes Marcus Evans’ millionaires could actually work against Ipswich Town in the transfer window.

But the Blues boss has reiterated that the club won’t be paying over the odds for any player in the next 10 days or so.

We understand Town are preparing an improved bid for Pompey duo Joel Ward and Jason Pearce while anywhere in the region of �1-3 million has been quoted for 17-year-old Nick Powell at Crewe Alexandra.

But while joking that Ipswich certainly has a “wealthy owner” in Evans, it doesn’t mean the club will simply splash the cash to improve their squad.

The manager explained: “I think there is a misconception that we can got out there and pay silly money and silly wages.

“We’re competitive, there’s no doubt about that, but everyone has a price. Eventually it comes down to finances, whether that be at Ipswich or another club.

“There’s an economical world out there which is not easy and football is part of that. We have to cut our cloth accordingly.”

With the clock ticking down on the January transfer window, Jewell said he was not a fan of the current system – having been burnt before.

He said: “I think the transfer window can be a nonsense really because everything escalates in January. There is a lack of quality players on the market because everybody wants to keep their good players.

“It does tend to become a bit of a rush in January. You have to be careful. At Derby I think we brought in eight players during the January window. It’s not easy, but you’ve got to try and keep a cool head. I have to try and learn from that.”

And while expecting the typical last minute rush in the final chance to buy someone permanently this season, the Town boss said he wanted any incomings to be wrapped up before January 31.

He added: “It tends to happen, certainly in the Premier League, that the last couple of hours gets hectic because they know that’s their last chance to strengthen. At least Football League clubs still have the option of loaning.

“But I hope not because if you’re doing it on the last day then it normally means you’re desperate.”