Barnsley boss Keith Hill is furious losing Manchester United midfielder Danny Drinkwater to Leicester City.
Drinkwater, on loan from Manchester United, quit Oakwell yesterday to sign a permanent deal with the Foxes.
"We tried to persuade him to stay until the end of the season - but it's unfortunate that we live in this football food chain and can't compete financially with Leicester."
Ironically, Drinkwater inspired Barnsley to a 2-1 victory over Leicester last weekend and the Tykes are currently a point better off in the Championship table.
"It will be a great financial package for him because we all know they are well-endowed cash wise," said Hill, who also admitted that Barnsley were "a trillion miles away" from beating the offer."There's nothing I can do," Hill told the Yorkshire Post. "He's Manchester United's player.