Steve Kean believes it is "fair comment" that Blackburn can finish in the top five by keeping everyone fit and spending just £5million.
Venky's, Rovers' new owners, had promised Kean's predecessor Sam Allardyce that sum to sign players in the January window.
Kean, who has been promised a chance to stake a claim for the job on a full-time basis, boldly insists he can better Blackburn's 10th-place finish last year.
The 43-year-old said: "If we have a full squad and £5million, I am confident we could finish above 10th. But we need to sit down and see how the £5million breaks down.
"I do not know if it is just £5million on salaries and fees or just fees. First and foremost we need to know what the budget is for January.
"Hopefully I can give input because I've been working with them very closely and we know the academy group under that. I know everybody at the club.
"Can we finish in the top five only spending £5million? It is fair comment if everyone is fit. That has slightly changed because we have a few injuries."
