Jota could be on his way to the English Premier League, but not to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur.
After switching from the Scottish Premiership to the Saudi Pro League, the former Celtic star quickly found himself out of the picture at Al-Ittihad, and he ended up being the one sacrificed as the club had to meet the foreign player regulations in their squad registration.
When the manager who chose not to register him, Nuno Espirito Santo, was fired, there was a glimmer of hope for him. However, the incoming Marcelo Gallardo is said to be happy to let the 25-year-old leave in January to end his Saudi nightmare.
There were rumors that a loan back to Parkhead could be on the cards in January, as well as that Postecoglou wanted to reunite in North London.
However, according to Saudi outlet So3ody Sports, Newcastle could be in pole position to sign Jota. The Magpies are linked to Ittihad, with the Public Investment Fund, which owns them, also owning a 75% stake in the Pro League club.
And Eddie Howe is said to be considering a shortlist of players that includes the former NBA star.
A potential upcoming rule change could be a stumbling block, with a vote scheduled on whether to prohibit the loaning of players between clubs that are affiliated in this way.
