The Pompey boss believes that loan signings will be key as he continues his summer recruitment.
However, any players that arrive on a temporary basis won’t be joining the Blues to make up the numbers.
Cowley wants to ensure that anyone brought in on loan is earmarked to feature regularly as Pompey bid for League One promotion.
The head coach is still after a striker having missed out on Jayden Stockley to third-tier rivals Charlton earlier this summer.
Given how well the likes of Ellis Simms performed at play-off winners Blackpool last term, Cowley could turn to the under-23s market in a bid to bolster his forward line.
It can be a gamble taking inexperienced talent but one that can indeed pay off.
We’ve taken a look at some of the fledgling front men that could fit the bill for Danny Cowley.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see who’s on our list...
5. Ike Ugbo - Chelsea
Things didn't quite go 22-year-old's way during previous loan spells at Barnsley, MK Dons and Scunthorpe. However, Ugbo plundered 17 goals in 34 appearances for Cercle Brugge last term. He's clearly matured and the ex-England youth international may feel ready for another crack at the EFL. Also a decent height at 6ft 1in. Photo: Jan Kruger
6. George Hirst - Leicester
The 22-year-old was prolific for England at youth level. He struggled on loan at Rotherham last season, though, failing to score in 32 games. However, a drop to League One would be easier for Hirst and he'd meet the criteria of the target man Cowley is after. Photo: Jan Kruger
7. Callum Morton - West Brom
The 21-year-old spent much of last season on loan at Lincoln out injured, scoring only three times in 21 games. However, Morton's a striker wih talent - as he showed when scoring eight goals in 12 games for Northampton the previous season. West Brom may want to get him playing regularly in League One again after missing a large chunk of 2020-21. Photo: George Wood
8. Sam Greenwood - Leeds
Purchased for £1.5m from Arsenal last summer, the 19-year-old has yet to be handed a first-team appearance by Marco Bielsa. Greenwood scored 12 times in 18 games for the Whites' under-23s in Premier League 2 last season, though, and may look for a loan spell to enhance his progress. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall