Swindon Town chief executive Nick Watkins believes League One could be heading towards a wage cap, as the economic downturn grips football clubs across the country.

Football League rules currently state that League Two clubs' wage structure must not exceed 60 per cent of their turnover but, as yet, there are no such restrictions above the basement division.

However Watkins insists that, at a time when Kaka was reportedly offered £500,000 a week wages as part of a failed £108million transfer deal with Manchester City, he can envisage the authorities limiting spending in the lower leagues sooner rather than later.

"There is a huge gulf between the Premier League and everyone else, and to be even talking about paying someone half-a-million pounds a week to play football seems extraordinary," admitted Watkins.

Swindon Advertiser

Walsall owner Jeff Bonser has warned new manager Chris Hutchings that he will have to sell players to raise cash if he wants to strengthen his squad.

"I'd be less than honest if I said we're going to splash out into the transfer market, because we're not," Bonser told BBC WM.

"There is a facility for moving players around. Who knows? Somebody might come in with a bid for one of our players."

Centre-back Anthony Gerrard and keeper Clayton Ince are the likeliest targets.

BBC Sport

Yeovil chief executive Martyn Starnes believes he is close to agreeing a contract termination with Marc Bircham, who is set to retire because of a long-term ankle problem.

Fellow midfielder Darren Way, who was seriously injured in a car crash before Christmas, had his eighth operation last week in London.

He is expected to be allowed to leave hospital and return home in the very near future.

On Way's long-term future, Starnes said: "It is far too early to make a comment on it. So much is going to depend on how Darren heals."

Western Daily Press