David Burke has revealed he expects players wages and payments to agents to fall – and keep falling – in the Championship.

Albion’s head of football operations believes wages have peaked for players outside the Premier League.

Clubs are tightening belts to stick within Financial Fair Play guidelines – and out-of-contract players are feeling the pinch.

Burke said: “I think wages have peaked for players that are not of Premier League demand. They will fall and continue to fall.

“There has been more unemployment of players or they are accepting lower wages.

“There was also very little money spent in Leagues One and Two on agent fees.

“I think if you were to divide the Championship clubs between those with and those without parachute payments, there will be a big fall in agent fees.”

Albion spent £869,988 on agents between July 1, 2012 and June 30 this year. That put them eighth in the Championship, four places below their actual finishing position last season.

Blackburn led the spending on agents last term, splashing out £3,538,034.

The three promoted teams also spent more than Albion.