Atletico Madrid's Alessio Cerci and PSG's Ezequiel Lavezzi have emerged as transfer targets for Inter Milan after vice-president Javier Zanetti voiced his admiration for the pair.
Inter drew 1-1 with AC Milan and lost 4-2 to Roma in Roberto Mancini's first two games in charge, with both matches highlighting the need for more power up front.
With Rodrigo Palacio yet to score this season and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo's form inconsistent, Mancini is short of alternatives when Mauro Icardi is absent.
Zanetti, quoted by Tuttosport, said he still hoped the club could qualify for the Champions League.
"We've still got time to climb the table," he said. "Mancini will do a great job. We need to build on the positives from the Roma game, and we as a club have got to be ready to give everything that is needed for a great season.
"We will evaluate the squad and see what this Inter needs. Cerci and Lavezzi are great players who would fit in well in any side."
Inter general manager Marco Fassone voiced fears that Cerci, who cost La Liga champions Atletico a reported 16 million euros, could be beyond their financial reach.
The Italy international has played a part in only five league games this season, although he did score in a Champions League win over Malmo after coming on as a substitute.
"A club like ours must be attentive to market opportunities like players who are free or unhappy at their clubs, and Cerci's profile fits our needs -- he is Italian, he knows Serie A plus he has quality," Fassone told Il Corriere dello Sport.
"However, it is difficult to see Cerci with us due to financial factors. We have not spoken with Atletico."
The paper reported that Sampdoria forward Stefano Okaka could also be in the Inter frame, given his reluctance to commit to a new contract with his club.
Should the former Fulham forward choose not to commit to a longer-term contract, he could be sold this winter.
But Inter could face competition for his services from city rivals AC Milan, who are considering offering former Samp forward Giampaolo Pazzini in exchange.