Nakamura was impressive in the recent Confederations Cup

But chief executive Peter Lawwell remains confident that the 27-year-old will arrive from Italian club Reggina.

"There is strong interest from Spain and Germany, but hopefully we will know one way or another next week," he said.

Latest signing Adam Virgo is not yet fit, so Lawwell hoped to sign another defender before the deadline.

"Clearly, we hae had some injuries that were not planned for, so we will be working to plug the gaps within the next 24 hours," said the chief executive.

The deal for Nakamura, likely to cost Celtic �2.7m, has been delayed due to negotiations about image rights in Japan.

We are trying to be choosy about who we bring in Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

Deportivo La Coruna and Atletic Madrid had previously expressed an interest in Nakamura.

But Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insists that the midfielder is keen on signing for the Glasgow club, despite reports suggesting that he would prefer to move to Spain.

"The lad wants to come - contrary to reports - and he knows about the club," said Strachan.

"But it is a massive deal. He is a huge personality in Japan and a lot of media rights go along with him.

"That is what is holding up the deal, but I'm sure we will get round that.

"He is a left-footer with a good change of pace.

"He would bring vision to the team and charisma as well I suppose.

"We are trying to be choosy about who we bring in. It would have been easy to bring in loads of Bosmans who are 30 years old.

"We are trying our best to bring in players who will help the group of players who have been here for the last five years - Lennon, Sutton, Hartson, Balde, Varga.

"They need help, not from players who will be dragged along by their coat-tails but who can get in there shoulder to shoulder and try to win trophies."