Bristol Rovers director of football Lennie Lawrence says they want to sign at least one striker during the January transfer window.
"We need to get one or two in and we're on the case," he told BBC Points West.
"It's got to be someone better or different to what we've got and we've got to strengthen while we're in or around the play-offs."
It follows the decision to allow Chris Dickson to return to Charlton Athletic after his three-month loan deal ended.
Manager Paul Trollope's side host Walsall and travel to Millwall over Christmas and then have a break of 12 days, having been knocked out of the FA Cup.
And Lawrence says he will be doing all he can to get the business completed before they host Stockport on 9 January.
"We're not playing on 2 January, which is a godsend," he said.
"If you want to succeed you need four centre-halves and four strikers. We've got four centre-halves so we need one more in there at least."
Lennie Lawrence
"We've got Stockport at home on 9 January, which is a must-win, and it would be nice to get it done prior to that."
Rovers may have been happy to let Dickson leave but Lawrence is very keen on keeping the club's other loanees at the Memorial Stadium.
"I'm hopeful and confident that we can keep Mikkel Andersen on loan until the end of the season," he added.
"Pat Baldwin's is up on 2 January and I'm also hopeful of doing something with him - on loan or permanently.
"He fits, we like him and he suits us, but that's something I've got to discuss with Aidy Boothroyd at Colchester.
"He talks and he's a good leader. He's just what the doctor ordered for us."
Rovers have been searching for a replacement for last season's top scorer Rickie Lambert since they sold him to Southampton in August and Lawrence knows what he is looking for.
"Joe Kuffour has been our main man and we need someone to link up with him. Home and away, especially away," he said.
"If you want to succeed you need four centre-halves and four strikers. We've got four centre-halves so we need one more in there at least."
Rovers are currently seventh in League One having won their last four home matches, but the 2-0 loss to Tranmere on Saturday was their sixth consecutive away defeat.
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