PHIL Parkinson has asked Wanderers fans to “stay patient” as he battles for this summer’s best bargains.

Progress in the transfer market thus far has been slow and steady for the Whites, with Friday night’s capture of ex-Bristol City defender Mark Little the first completely new name to be added to last season’s promotion-winning squad.

Wanderers are plotting their business on two fronts – both with and without the transfer embargo but are currently focussed on securing the best free agents and loans their budget will allow.

Parkinson is confident his squad will be strong enough come August when the Championship season begins but must battle with the likes of Sheffield United and Millwall for the talent which falls into their budget.

“We have got offers on the table with a lot of players,” he told The Bolton News.

“The type of player we’re competing for at the moment is the top end of the market – and we’re most certainly not alone in that.

“It is a very competitive environment. We are working extremely hard, speaking with players and representatives every single day to get the best possible deals we can within the remit we’re working with.

“In terms of the players we’re looking at, they have all got options.”

Wanderers stepped away from one of their most high-profile loan targets, Manchester City’s Bersant Celina, to pursue another permanent signing – thought to be Sammy Ameobi.

It is understood Parkinson currently has eyes on two season-long loans and is looking to strengthen across the board but the Whites boss admits fans may have to wait a while before the mainstay of his signings are made.

“I know the supporters can get frustrated,” he said. “I’ve been around in management long enough now.

“The easy thing to do would be to bring a player in just to keep everyone sweet – but I have to keep my nerve and plan ahead.

“We’ll all be working hard to make sure we’ve got the best squad possible come the first game of the season. I am confident we’ll do that.”