Jota wanted by Steven Gerrard as Celtic hero 'approached' over Saudi transfer switch from Ittihad by ex Rangers boss

Jota could be set to be offered a transfer lifeline by the most unlikely of allies in former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.

The Celtic hero is teetering on the edge of an exit from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad after they splurged £25million on him to the Scottish champions last month. But now the Portuguese winger finds himself set to be culled from the mega-rich side, with the likes of Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante dominating a squad said to be filled with 'tension'. It was believed Jota would first be loaned out to another Pro League side but some reports suggested he could become a free agent.

Now in a stunning turn of events, Al-Ettifaq and Gerrard have reportedly approached Ittihad to loan Jota after the management of the Jeddah club decided he could leave. According to Alkaas, the Liverpool icon is looking to bring the 24-year-old to his team which includes the likes of former Celtic stars Jack Hendry and Moussa Dembele alongside Reds hero Jordan Henderson.

Atalanta were also said to be keen on Jota should he leave Jeddah, as the youngster's future remains up in the air.

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