A powerful striker tops his shopping list, but Adkins is also aware that he needs to strengthen all over the pitch with experience heads.
"We are looking to bring in three or four experienced players to help a young team who have been doing very well," he told the Scunthorpe Telegraph.
"The troops are looking a little battle-weary at the moment, but the confidence is still very high and they are still having a real go for each other.
"We need to bring in new faces during January to help kick-on the guys and give us that bit of stimulation."
Millwall striker Ben May is widely tipped to return to Glanford Park, after a loan spell in North Lincolnshire earlier in the season.
Nottingham Forest forward Grant Holt is also a former target, with United having a £250,000 bid rejected in the summer.
The January transfer window is Adkins' last chance to add permanent additions to his side this season, although emergency loans will also be permitted.