Jota release 'denied' as Celtic hero gets rapid Ittihad answer to desperate contract plea with one Saudi solution left

Former Celtic hero Jota has reportedly seen a request for talks with Al-Ittihad over releasing from his contract rejected.

The 24-year-old is facing the prospect of being stuck in his Saudi Pro League nightmare long-term with the powerbrokers said to be unwilling to allow the winger to leave the Middle East shortly after his £25m move away from the Scottish Premiership champions. The Saudi champions have filled their foreign player quota for the upcoming campaign with league rules stating that only eight overseas players are allowed per squad.

The signing of Luiz Felipe from Real Betis pushed Itthad over the threshold and the club opted to sideline the former Celtic star - leaving the Scottish Treble winner facing the prospect of not playing another game until the list can be altered in the January transfer window. Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat report that the approach was made by Jota's representatives to discuss ripping up the deal.

But it is claimed the talks were "turned down" with the club exploring "alternative" plans for Jota. Boss Nuno EspIrito Santo is said to still believe that the winger is part of the long-term plans at the club.

It is noted that Jota has "agreed" to play in AFC Champions League and the Club World Cup - which do not require an allocated list of foreign players despite the "restricted" game time on offer at this stage. The outlet claim that "private sources" told them that former Wolves and Tottenham boss "will" bring the wide man back into the squad for the cup competitions.