PHIL Gartside is staying steadfastly upbeat, despite missing out on his top summer transfer targets.

The Reebok chairman is confident the tide will soon start to turn Wanderers' way on the signings front.

"We're disappointed we haven't landed any of the players who were high on our list," the chairman said, "but it hasn't been for the want of trying, and we are still trying.

"There are one or two more we are looking at and reality is slowly beginning to creep in with players.

"We've got to be patient though. Gradually it will become a buyers' market and, because we are in the Premiership, players will be coming back to us wanting to sign.

"Everybody wants to play in the Premiership because it's the best league in the world."

Nevertheless, it has been a frustrating summer so far for Sam Allardyce, who has seen determined moves for the Brazilian superstar Rivaldo, Croatian striker Dado Prso, Marseille defender Abdoulaye Meite and Inter Milan's French defender Jeremie Brechet all come to nothing.

The manager had hoped to have the majority of his new signings in place before his squad reports back for pre-season training on July 1 but so far has only managed to secure the signature of former Sunderland and Leeds striker Michael Bridges.

There has been increasing speculation that Wanderers are in the running to sign Portugal's defender Nuno Valente -- captain of European champions Porto -- but Gartside has denied any interest.

Two expected signings are Tunisian international defender Radhi Jaidi and Birmingham's Aliou Cisse.

"It would have been fantastic to have had all the new signings on board for the start of pre-season because I know that was what Sam wanted," Gartside added. "But that isn't going to happen now.

"We might be short on numbers for the moment but we won't be starting with a weakened squad.

"I know Sam's concerned about picking up points early in the season but we will have a strong squad with plenty of experience."