Jota 'regrets' Celtic exit as Ittihad outcast finally told the exit rules to avoid repeat of key Saudi 'disaster'

Forgotten Jota will reportedly be allowed to leave Al-Ittihad on loan in January by new boss Marcelo Gallardo - with the winger said to be "regretting" his £25m switch from Celtic.

Argentine boss Gallardo looks set to take over the hot seat from Nuno Espirito Santo - who was axed after a reported clash with Karim Benzema amid a lacklustre start to the campaign for the defending Saudi Pro League champions. But the new era doesn't appear to bring any lucky for the former Celtic star after he has spent the season frozen out of the picture in Jeddah after leaving the Scottish Premiership champions last summer.

Pro League rules only allow eight foreign players to be registered per squad - and the Scottish Treble winner was cut by the Portuguese boss last term leaving the 25-year-old relegated to appearances in the AFC Champions League this term. Jota has reportedly been exploring options to leave the club and return to Europe in January and could get his wish.

Saudi outlet So3ody Sports report that the Portuguese star "regrets" leaving the Hoops and European football last term and is pushing for a return. Incoming Gallardo is said to want to avoid the decision being "imposed" on him when he arrives to avoid repeating Nuno's "disaster" - and will not stand in the way of any decision from the Ittihad powerbrokers on Jota's future.

It is claimed they are open to a loan move away from the Pro League following talks with the player's agent. However, Ittihad are said to be keen for their big-money signing to "progress" in the Middle East at a fellow Saudi club.