SEAN Dyche said Burnley's battle to keep their star names was 'tough' but admitted it was simply the reality of life at Turf Moor.

Andre Gray followed Michael Keane out of the exit door this week, joining Watford for £18million after rejecting a 'substantially improved' new contract earlier this summer.

Both players were entering the final years of their deals at Burnley, but while Keane moved up the table to join Everton, Gray's move to Vicarage Road was to a club who finished below the Clarets last year.

Burnley were unable to compete with the financial package on offer from the Hornets though, with Gray signing a five-year deal.

Dyche said: "There's still a level this club operates to. It makes it tough at times, but it's the reality.

“Even with the talked-about finance, the club is still looking at years three, four and five to make sure they're looked after.

“It makes it tough, I've never denied it."

Burnley could bring in as much as £48million for Keane and Gray, but Dyche said he didn't want to lose his best players.

"No one wants to lose their best players, but there's a reality to all clubs, particularly this one," the Turf chief said.

"Players with a year left on their contracts at any club - it's fair to say we’re not market leaders - have the chance to look at other options.

“When they've got a year left, it's tough, for all clubs. How far do you go to keep them here as regards their contracts? What are they asking for, what are their agents wanting?

“Some outgrow the club financially.

“Andre is 26, it's an important stage of his career, and his life. With Keano, arguably, it's fair to say he wanted to move on on and off the pitch.

“On the pitch, Everton are pushing forward at a rate of knots, and off it, I'm sure his contract is good.”

Gray's departure on the eve of the season draws similarities with Charlie Austin's move to QPR before the 2013/14 campaign and Dyche believes it will give someone else in his squad the chance to impress.

"It happened once before with Charlie Austin two days before the start of the season, so they gave us an extra day!," Dyche said.

"But that led to the emergence of Sam Vokes and Danny Ings. When these opportunities come around, they're there to be gripped by the players, so there are obvious slots available."