Tranmere Rovers boss Ronnie Moore says they made a move for Norwich City striker Chris Martin this week.
Martin has returned to Carrow Road after a spell with Swindon Town.
Moore said: "We've enquired about the lad Martin who's at Norwich but we can't afford to bring him in unfortunately and (Gary) Madine at Sheffield Wednesday as well we've enquired about.
"So we've knocked on all the doors but we just haven't been able to get somebody to come in yet."