St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright admits he won't be able to sign David Goodwillie from Blackburn Rovers this month.
The 24-year old Scottish striker recently finished a loan with Dundee United and could be farmed out again until the end of the season.
The Saints were showing significant interest in Goodwillie, who is also a target for Aberdeen, but Wright suggests he may be too far out of their price range.
"That's dead in the water for us," he said.
"We won't be able to match what Blackburn are looking for in terms of doing a deal. So we'll have to move elsewhere.
"I do feel I need a striker in and we may look at the midfield area as well."
