Celtic manager Ronny Deila believes that the club's transfer business may take longer to complete than he would like.
Deila's men are aiming to reach the Champions League group stage next season and the Celtic boss is looking to strengthen his options to ensure that happens.
Celtic were dumped out in the qualifiers earlier this season and had to make do with Europa League football. But having won the Scottish title, they are preparing for another bite of the Champions League cherry early in 2015/16.
Deila would like to have all his new signings in place before the Bhoys kick off their Champions League campaign, but he does not feel that is a realistic goal.
"I'm hoping to have made signings by the time the players return, but I never expect. It's a hard business", he told a press conference this afternoon.
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"We want our business done before the qualifiers, but I don't think that's going to happen.
"It's going on all the time, but all we want is good players who can strengthen us as quick as possible."
And Deila dismissed speculation linking Celtic players with the exit door, deeming that the price to be paid for success and claiming he is not worried by interest from other clubs.
"If you do well and develop your team and players then every player will have rumours around them. If not I'd be worried."
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