Fulham manager Martin Jol has conceded that he may not be able to fund a permanent deal for Eyong Enoh in the summer.
Under the terms of the Cameroon international's loan switch from Ajax, the Whites have the option to sign him at the end of the current campaign.
However, Jol has admitted that his services may prove to be too expensive and so he has started to explore other targets.
"We have got an option to buy him, but it is still quite a few bob, so maybe I have to be creative and come up with other solutions," Jol told reporters.
"The option is there, but I have got one or two other options as well so it is a decision for the end of the season."
Midfielder Enoh, 27, joined Ajax from South African side Ajax Cape Town in 2008.