Jeremy Peace has insisted the arrival of Alexandre Gaydamak - Portsmouth's new millionaire coowner - will have no affect on Bryan Robson's transfer budget this month.

Gaydamak's arrival has already caused shockwaves to reverberate amongst relegation rivals, as Pompey have obliterated their record transfer fee by purchasing Benjani Mwaruwari for more than £4 million.

It has increased the ante for the sides entrenched in the relegation zone and Birmingham have already responded by purchasing Chris Sutton.

However, David Gold has gone on record as saying their policies won't change because of Gaydamak's arrival and Albion chairman Peace belongs to the same school of thought.

Albion are expected to tie up the signature of Ugo Ehiogu from Middlesbrough later this week and have been strongly linked with his team-mate Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

However, Peace is convinced that their less flamboyant policy will pay rich dividends on a long-term basis for the club.

"The situation at Portsmouth? It doesn't affect us at all," said Peace. "Given the current constraints of the club we have to live within our income constraints.

"Rather than saying 'Portsmouth have spent £4 million on a player - so we must as well' we have to be inventive as we can't do that.

"We have a certain amount of income and how well you expend that is important.

"We have spent £36 million on players in three-and-a-half years and have recouped about £6 million, so there has been a net spend of £30 million in transfer fees.

"I know that Bryan has been looking at strengthening the defence and another holding midfield player.

"Ronnie Wallwork has done really well, but we don't have much cover for that role.

"Ideally we would like to be working with a squad of around 22 players and we have 26 at present with Chris Kirkland in on loan.

"However, the names of Lloyd Dyer, Russell Hoult, Andy Johnson and Riccardo Scimeca have all been circulated to other clubs.

"The situation with Jason Koumas at Cardiff is that they know the asking price and the ball is in their court.

"However, they run the risk of someone else coming in and making a bid for him during the transfer window if a fee isn't agreed."

Peace, who will celebrate four years as chairman in June is optimistic that Albion will be competing in the Premier-ship again next season.

And, on a personal level, he is prepared to review his tenure as chairman if he feels he still has the backing of Albion supporters.

"I said I would give it three to five years as chairman and, if I still enjoyed it, and people wanted me around, would review the situation," added Peace.

"We are moving ahead in all areas and if people want me here I will stay and press on, as I am enjoying the role very much.