He has just about conceeded defeat over the transfer of Coventry striker Dele Adebola, having "just about" agreed a fee and personal terms with the big target man.
He now expects Coventry to offer him a new deal after the solo goal against Blackburn in the FA Cup, however still has not ruled out the possibility of him moving to Glanford Park.
"Adebola would have been a great signing for us. He wasn't in the team at Coventry and we had just about agreed a transfer fee and terms," He told the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph
"But then Coventry got some injuries, Adebola got into the team and has started scoring some goals."
United have been put off by Barnsley's £400,000 asking price for midfielder Grant McCann.
"I asked about him in the summer and have asked about him again" he insisted.
He is also looking to bring back target man Ben May who impressed United fans during a loan spell earlier in the season; however he wants to make sure May is fully fit before offering a deal.
Adkins also admitted a deal for Grant Holt had been put on the table, but looks very unlikely at the moment; a £250,000 bid was turned down in the summer.
The first permanent transfer is likely to be completed tomorrow, when a midfielder puts pen to paper on a deal at Glanford Park.