Smith had a loan spell at QPR last season scoring six times in their successful bid for Championship survival.
And Adkins is hoping that another loanee could get the wheels in motion for United's very own great escape.
"We have asked the question and we will just wait and see" manager Nigel Adkins confirmed.
"It's a player who has got Championship experience and it's a player who has scored goals in the Championship."
Chelsea youngster's Scott Sinclair and Ben Sahar have moved out on loan to Championship clubs this week, joining Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.