Caley Thistle manager John Hughes remains on the lookout for a new forward but could be priced out of a deal to sign Portadown attacker Darren Murray.
Murray and former Torquay United forward Toby Ajala have been training with the Highlanders but Hughes will not make a decision until he has put a further two trialist forwards through their paces next week.
With Portadown in action away to Ballinamallard United in the Northern Irish Premiership tomorrow, Murray will return to Northern Ireland this weekend.
Inverness have already signed Spanish attacker Dani Lopez this summer, but is still looking to add another forward to his squad, with Caley Jags scoring just three goals in six competitive outings so far this season.
Hughes says Inverness are unlikely to afford any fee that would be required to prise Murray from the 12 months that remain on his contract with the Ports.
Hughes said: “We’re still actively pursuing a forward.
“Darren has acquitted himself very well but is a little bit off it in terms of fitness because he is part-time over there. It takes six months for a part-time player to adapt to full-time football. But he’s fitted right in. What we have to do now is go and see if there would be a fee.
“He still has another year of his contract, if we are going to pursue it.
“Toby also did very well. Those two will probably go home now and we’ll have another two in next week, then we’ll have to decide what we’re going to do. I don’t think we’ve money to go and pay a fee.”
Inverness have not had their injury troubles to seek this season, with Richie Foran, Gary Warren, Dean Brill, Josh Meekings, Aaron Doran, James Vincent and Jordan Roberts sidelined for last Saturday’s 4-2 defeat by Celtic at Parkhead.
Hughes says the club’s board has provided him financial support to aid his selection problems, and added: “It is all credit to the board of directors. We sat down the other day.
“The one thing I won’t do is ask for sympathy. Injuries are part of the game. What we’ve got now, other teams will get throughout the season.
“With that happening, we had to change it. We had to get trialists in and maybe pay for one or two flights and their accommodation.
“All that has been put in place because the board recognised we’re up against it.”