Northampton Saints chairman Leon Barwell has insisted that he will not "throw money" at Chris Ashton to keep him at the club.

The England international will be out of contract at Franklin's Gardens at the end of the season and as a result will be allowed to discuss possible transfers with other clubs next month.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a big-money move to Saracens in recent days, but Barwell has insisted that he will not pay over the odds to secure Ashton's services.

"As far as I'm aware, we haven't spoken about money. He will know where we place him financially," Barwell told BBC Look East. "But we're not going to throw money at the problem."

Ashton joined Saints in 2007 from Super League side Wigan Warriors.