PAUL LAMBERT admits Ipswich Town cannot afford to push through a proposed double deal for Middlesbrough duo Grant Leadbitter and Rudy Gestede.

Martin Braithwaite became the first player to leave Teesside this month when he completed a season-long loan move to Spanish side Leganes yesterday morning, but the Denmark international is unlikely to be the only person heading through the exit doors as Boro boss Tony Pulis looks to overhaul his squad.

Both Leadbitter and Gestede are available this month, with the former’s most recent Championship appearance having come in early August and the latter having been restricted to just one league start and three substitute appearances all season.

Ipswich officials have inquired about both players, and Lambert was keen to add them to his Portman Road squad as he battles against relegation at the foot of the Championship.

However, with both Leadbitter and Gestede having joined Middlesbrough when they were playing in the Premier League, the duo’s wages are way beyond Ipswich’s financial capabilities.

“If somebody’s going to drop a massive nest egg of money in here then you might look at it, but I don’t think that’s going to happen,” said Lambert. “They’re two good players, two experienced guys, and they’ve been at the top.

“But that’s (the financial situation) the nature of the game. You can’t put the club in a position where we’re just going to spend money, you end up in absolute ruins. It can’t happen, you can’t bow to the levels of money. If it can’t happen, it can’t happen and you move on to the next one.”

Braithwaite’s departure was confirmed yesterday, with the forward having finally secured the move he coveted in the summer. His departure is a straight loan, with Leganes not having an obligation to complete a permanent deal at the end of the season.

“I’m happy to be here,” said Braithwaite. “I’ve known for a long time that Leganes had an interest in me. I’ve been following the club very closely, since I first became interested, and I’ve really liked what I’ve seen.”