This is starting to feel like deja vu for Celtic fans. They would have been hoping that the club had learned some lessons from the disaster that was the summer transfer window, but that does not look like the case. Once again, the Hoops have allowed things to drag on for far too long and have now been left scrambling for solutions in the last few days before the deadline arrives.
For a little while, it had looked like at least one signing was getting close. Some reports had emerged suggesting that the club were making progress on a deal for Fares Ghedjemis with Italian second division side Frosinone.
Unfortunately, a bit of cold water has been poured on that. As reported by Anthony Joseph, Celtic and Frosinone are still apart on the structure of a deal for Ghedjemis. The Serie B club are looking for a deal worth around £6.5 million, with most of that being paid up-front. But the Hoops are believed to be wanting a lower initial fee. Talks are ongoing.
To many Celtic fans, this will feel like a movie that they have seen play out many times before this. And it rarely has a happy ending. It would be no surprise if there is a future report suggesting that talks over the deal have collapsed.
'Talks are ongoing' - Anthony Joseph confirms worrying Celtic transfer news
It remains to be seen if Celtic are able to get this deal over the line or not. They do have a backup option as well.
It has been suggested that the club have also held talks for Damir Redzic. But he is also wanted by RB Salzburg.
So, signing him won't be a simple task either. All things considered, this is not an ideal situation for Celtic.