West Ham in frame to land ex-Celtic star Jota amid Saudi exit talks

West Ham are one of the clubs keeping an eye on the “debacle” surrounding Jota at Al Ittahad in Saudi Arabia as the winger seeks to secure a release from his contract, according to 90min.

The outlet reported via their website on 3 October that the Portuguese wants to get out of his deal at the Saudi Pro League side just months after his £25million move from Celtic on 3 July, after he wasn’t subsequently registered in the league squad.

His preference is an immediate move back to Europe on a free transfer, with Tottenham and a reunion with his former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou something he would reportedly “love”.

However, Al Ittihad may still keep him until January in order to sell him for a fee, but if he does become available West Ham are interested in a move.

Former side Celtic would also welcome a return, while Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham are reportedly also in the frame.

Rarity

Clearly, a player doesn’t move for free just three months after costing £25m very often so if anything it is a surprise that more clubs aren’t apparently looking at taking advantage should he become available.

Spurs have surely got the inside track thanks to Postecoglou, and the familiarity of a return to the Scottish champions may be attractive to the 24-year-old after what is sure to have been a bewildering experience.

But if it is Premier League football he is looking for the Hammers are probably in with at least a shout, since Spurs spent £45m to sign Brennan Johnson instead of paying to bring in Jota once complications first surfaced at Al Ittihad.

With a European trophy in the cabinet from just a few months ago and a side that has started the campaign well there is reason for West Ham to be a draw.

Manuel Lanzini is gone and the likes of Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Maxwel Cornet don’t have the most certain futures at the London Stadium, so someone like Jota might be part of the answer if the path were to clear for the Irons to pick him up.

Even an outside chance is worth investigating so if he is released from his contract in the coming weeks West Ham are bound to be part of the rush to sign him.