"Penny pinching" by the Albion ? ??
How you defining that ? A reduction in the football budget (wages and fees spent by the club) in 14/15 compared to 12/13 ? or 13/14 ? ie: since Poyet's season.
The accounts and public statements by the club don't back that up.
Perhaps a change in comparison...
My error. Leeds embargo imposed for the January was lifted early on in the summer window.
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-football-league-lift-ffp-transfer-embargo-updated-1-7256620
This is very good on Boro this year and FFP and where it leaves them.
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-financial-fair-play-work-9583627
As for the embargo being toothless then some clubs including Albion would probably like it to be stronger but Forest, Blackburn...