Martin O'Neill says Celtic are "making some progress" in adding new faces but avoids firm promises after failing to re-sign Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi. The club thought they had a deal with Iheanacho, but the 29-year-old Nigerian striker instead joined newly promoted Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor.

Chief executive Michael Nicholson admits squad building is "difficult" due to competition from big-spending English clubs. O'Neill noted "two sides to every transfer" regarding Iheanacho's move, which reportedly offered higher wages. Saracchi, the 28-year-old Uruguayan left-back on loan from Boca Juniors, also departed despite his agent claiming they did "everything within our power" to return.

O'Neill acknowledged Saracchi "done very well" but cited unspecified circumstances preventing a permanent deal. Celtic open their Premiership campaign at home to Dundee on 3 August.