Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has welcomed Marcus Evans’ pledge, after the Blues’ owner said he would consider paying seven-figure transfer fees for players this summer, but admitted it would be tougher than ever to win promotion to the Premier League next season.

McCarthy has worked marvels for the majority of his tenure at Portman Road, bringing in successful free transfers such as Christophe Berra, David McGoldrick and Cole Skuse, while drafting in striker Freddie Sears from Colchester for a small six-figure fee.

However, the Blues boss has also brought in a handful of low-budget players that haven’t worked out and Town’s failure to reach the play-offs this month has seen some supporters question the club’s low-risk transfer budget.

With Aston Villa and two from Newcastle, Norwich and Sunderland coming down from the Premier League with substantial parachute payments, promotion looks a tough ask.

Then there are Brighton, Derby, Hull, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday, only two of whom will reach the top flight, and they are likely to invest significantly again in pre-season.

“I wonder if any of the teams that are not promoted will be dismantled or the respective clubs will continue to invest,” said McCarthy.

“You have also got the three teams coming down, with huge parachute payments, so that is not going to make it any easier next year.

“I was confident that we would be a competitive team this season and threaten the top-six and that’s just what we have done, but for a disappointing end to the season and missing players,” added McCarthy, who has seen the Blues’ nearest rivals invest substantially throughout the campaign.

“Perhaps some (teams) have invested heavily. Sheffield Wednesday, who have finished sixth, brought in (Aidan) McGeady and (Gary) Hooper for the last knockings. I am not complaining about that because they are out of our grasp anyway, but that’s just helped them over the line if they have lost players,” he said.

On Evans’ pledge, McCarthy added: “It has to be the right player.

“There are areas we want to strengthen, but there are not many targets out there you can have if you are looking at Bosmans or frees.

“If you are talking about a million-pound player, that’s different. Which position is that going to be in? Where is he going to be on the pitch? How many are available at that kind of money?

“Even if I announce there is a million pound player (target), suddenly the price goes up.”