WANDERERS could face the risk of a transfer embargo if they do not stick to a prudent spending policy, according to manager Dougie Freedman.

The Scot added just three new loan faces to his squad during last month’s transfer window in the shape of Neil Danns, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Liam Trotter but, crucially, did not secure the defensive cover he desperately requires.

A loan move for West Brom left-back Goran Popov was vetoed at the last minute by the Premier League last week increasing the Scot’s frustration.

Jermaine Beckford’s untimely hamstring injury, coupled with Craig Davies going out on loan to Preston and David Ngog’s sale to Swansea also left the Whites shy up top, though Freedman hopes to confirm the return of ex-loanee Joe Mason from Cardiff before Saturday’s clash with Watford.

He concedes financial constraints have hampered his ongoing reshaping of the Wanderers squad but knows the current climate dictates transfer policy.

And he has reiterated he is not willing to put the club in jeopardy despite their predicament at the wrong end of the Championship table.

Freedman said: “People ask why we haven’t bought a couple more strikers in, or full-backs, and it’s a great idea. I share the frustration because I’d love to look at my bench and think I’ve got three or four different options.

“But we have to face reality here.

“We are a club who are still holding Premier League wages and you cannot hide away from it but that doesn’t guarantee you success.

“It doesn’t guarantee you anything at all.

“It just means the manager at that particular time has to manage the financial situation as well as the playing side and make sure that is moving forward.”

Clubs who do not manage their finances prudently face the threat of sanctions under Financial Fair Play rules, including transfer embargoes.

Nevertheless, the Whites boss believes adding the right players to his squad is important – ones who are at the right age and hungry to improve and do not prove excessive burdens on the club’s finances.

And while he admits he would like more options, Freedman is confident the players he has drafted in this season can provide a core for the future.

He added: “In my view, it is about bringing players in like Liam Trotter, Jay Spearing, Rob Hall and even Lukas Jutkiewicz, who I’m quietly trying to say is doing okay, but everyone knows he’s doing better than that.

“They are the kind of players I am building this thing around.”