Jota to end Ittihad farce but Celtic return swirl may not be as it seems with hidden Premier League route emerging

Forgotten Jota will reportedly be allowed to leave Al-Ittihad on loan in January - with Newcastle United said to be considering a move.

Incoming boss Marcelo Gallardo is said to be happy to allow the winger to leave the defending Saudi Pro League champions on a temporary basis as he prepares to take over from axed Nuno Espirito Santo. Former Celtic star Jota has spent the season frozen out of the picture in Jeddah after leaving the Scottish Premiership champions last summer - after he was not selected as one of the eight foreign players allowed for each Pro League squad.

That has relegated the 25-year-old to appearances in the AFC Champions League and friendly clashes, and he is reportedly keen on a move back to European football when the winter window opens. That has sparked theories that a move back to Celtic Park could be on the cards to kickstart his career after lifting the Scottish Treble last term.

However, Saudi outlet So3ody Sports report that Newcastle are the frontrunners for a deal. ‌The Public Investment Fund (PIF) which own the Magpies also holds a 75 per cent stake in Ittihad.

It is claimed that Jota is on a "shortlist" of players being considered by Eddie Howe. The connection between the two clubs could see Celtic locked out of any move should they consider an approach.

A potential hold up for a switch to the Tyneside could be if Premier League clubs vote through a rule change in January. Premier League sides will vote at the next shareholders’ meeting on a proposal to fast-track a ban on loan moves for players into England’s top flight between associated clubs in the January transfer window - which could block Newcastle and Ittihad's link up.