EDDIE Howe believes value for money is thin on the ground in the January transfer window and admits signing British players "comes with a premium".

Although linked with the likes of Chelsea duo John Terry and Asmir Begovic, as well as Norwich's Robbie Brady, Howe is yet to recruit this month.

In fact, the Cherries boss has not guaranteed there will be incomings at Vitality Stadium ahead of deadline day next week.

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce recently bemoaned the "vast cost" of British players and eyebrows were raised last week when Hull's Jake Livermore joined West Brom for £10million, while Saido Berahino left the Baggies for Stoke for £12m and Patrick Bamford exited Chelsea for Middlesbrough for a fee which reportedly could rise to £10m.

Reflecting generally on the January window, Howe told the Daily Echo: "It's always been tough to buy British. I think the pool of players of all nationalities in this transfer window is as small as it's ever been.

"No one really wants to lose any players, everyone wants to keep their squad intact and I'm the same.

"That then means fees are inflated and sometimes you are not sure the quality is better than you already have, so it's a tough window to recruit in.

"The summer window is much better, I think you get more value for money and a bigger choice of players, but every club is in the same position."

Questioned on why fees for British players appeared inflated compared to those of their foreign counterparts, Howe said: "The knowledge you can play the level comes with a premium.

"If a player is doing well or excelling in the Championship, there is a good chance he would do well in the Premier League and that comes with a premium.

"If you are taking a player from France or wherever, there is still that doubt – can he adapt to the rigours of the Premier League? And with that doubt comes a lower fee."

Howe signed a mixture of British and foreign players last summer and says there is no hard and fast answer as to which is the better option, insisting it comes down to the individual concerned.

He added: "There's no right or wrong. It depends on the individual player. I'm open to signing any nationality of player if I feel he could add to the squad.

"There are benefits from both angles. From the British perspective they will have a better understanding of English football from their upbringing. If they have been in and around it they will know the physicality and pace of the league.

"There won't be a period where you will have to make them adapt to that, maybe adapt to your philosophy rather than the style of football. I think that's probably the biggest advantage."

The transfer window is due to shut on Tuesday next week at 11pm, the same night Cherries are set to host Crystal Palace in the Premier League.