George Burley says a lack of finances has stopped Southampton from extending Christian Dailly's loan.
Lack of funds prompts defender's return to Upton Park
George Burley has revealed a lack of finances has prevented Southampton from extending the loan of Christian Dailly.
The West Ham United defender has spent the past two months at St Mary's, but has now returned to Upton Park after making 11 appearances for Saints.
Burley was hoping to extend the deal for a third month, but the Southampton boss concedes the coffers are empty.
"The player is going back, we can't afford to keep him," Burley told the club's official website.
Full backing
"We just move on and adjust accordingly. It's a financial thing, so we won't be getting anyone to replace him.
"I can't influence financial things, but I have had full backing from the board and that is all I can ask."
With first-team opportunities at West Ham scarce, Dailly admits he would be willing to return to Southampton.
Dailly said: "It would be nice to think I will be back here. We can't do anything for a month now, but we will see what happens in January.
Great club
"I don't think it was really an option for me to stay until then. I know money is tight and they had to push it to keep me here a second month.
"But we will see what happens. I have really enjoyed it here, it is a great club and I have made some good friends and I'd like to think I might be back here at some point."
Meanwhile, Saints defender Claus Lundekvam could return to training by the end of January as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.
