Motherwell are resigned to losing Devante Cole next month leaving Stephen Robinson targeting a new striker as a January priority.
Despite the Steelmen’s best efforts Cole is set to return to parent club Wigan at the end of his six-month loan spell.
The frontman - son of Manchester United and England legend Andy - has fired four goals for Motherwell in his short spell at Fir Park and provided a physical presence alongside the pace of Chris Long.
Robinson said: “It looks like Devante will be going back to Wigan. We are trying to negotiate something but as it stands he will be leaving us.
“We need to try and find a replacement for him. I think he would be keen to stay here. We have played him on the right a few times but he just gets on with it.
“It isn’t his best position as he is better through the middle but Chris Long has the jersey the last few games.
"He is someone I wanted to keep but ultimately he isn’t our player.
“We have a few offers in for people. If I bring someone in it has to be someone better than what we have. I do think we need to bolster that end of the pitch.”
