Mauricio Pochettino admits Tottenham will not even try to compete with their richer rivals in the transfer market this summer.
Spurs have already secured Champions League qualification for a second consecutive year and their sustained title challenge this season has put to shame the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
But those clubs all have deeper pockets than Tottenham and, crucially, can offer prospective signings much larger amounts in wages.
Asked if Spurs would steer clear of players being targeted by other top teams in the Premier League, Pochettino said: "Of course. You know better than me it is so difficult.
"We talk about 'if Tottenham are in the Champions League, it will be more attractive.' But then it's all about if you pay or not when we talk about top players.
"We have unbelievable facilities but if some club is paying double the salary, then how can you convince them? We cannot lie to you. That is the reality.
"You need younger players, like Dele Alli, who preferred to come here than another club. We took a big risk on Dele Alli and now he is a massive player, one of the most important in England. But who took the risk? Us."