Fed-up Kris Commons believes Celtic must get a move on if they have any hope of wrestling back the Premiership title from Rangers.
The former Parkhead attacking midfielder insists the capture of versatile forward Fashion Sakala reinforces the difference in approach across the city at Ibrox.
Meanwhile Celtic have yet to reveal who their manager will be next season with Eddie Howe still the frontrunner for the Parkhead vacancy.
Commons fears Rangers' forward planning ahead of their first tilt at Champions League qualifying is bad news for a side who conceded the earliest title defeat in Scottish football history.
And the 37-year-old has urged the Parkhead side to act fast in terms of recruitment on and off the pitch to make sure they aren't left chasing shadows again.
Speaking in his Daily Mail column, he said: "Just as was the case 12 months ago, Rangers look intent on getting their summer transfer business done nice and early.
"The pre-contract signing of Zambian striker Fashion Sakala is a clear statement of intent about how the club will be looking to build on what is already a position of strength. In truth, you could even look as far back as January when they tied up deals to sign Jack Simpson, Scott Wright and Nnamdi Ofoborh.
"Since arriving in October 2019, Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson has worked with Steven Gerrard to implement a very clear and defined recruitment structure.
"The club have reaped the ultimate reward by winning this year's league title and they have no intention of resting on their laurels.
"In comparison, Celtic continue to stumble around in the dark. They are about to embark on the biggest overhaul of players in a generation, yet don't even have a manager in place. The Eddie Howe saga shows no obvious sign of ending any time soon and it's now getting to the stage where some fans have genuine concerns over whether the deal will happen at all. Celtic are dragging their heels and have no clear plan of action in place, while Rangers are charging ahead with signings for next season.
"Gerrard clearly wants his squad in place by the time the Champions League qualifiers come around. He obviously has no intention of wasting any time."
