Misfit Jota awarded A-list status as Celtic hero stares in the face of second Saudi nightmare

Frozen out Jota has been labelled one of Al-Ittihad greats despite not playing a Saudi Pro League game since his £25m switch from Celtic.

The 25-year-old was heralded as one of the club's three crown jewels by a leading outlet in Argentina as Marcelo Gallardo gives the vacancy in Jeddah serious consideration with Ittihad targeting him to replace vanquished Nuno. And the arrival of one of world football's most revered young coaches might not be a match made in heaven for Jota.

Gallardo's preferred tactic is the old classic 4-4-2 that relies on width coming from rampaging full-backs rather than wingers such as Jota. It sounds a match made in heaven for stars such as N'Golo Kante, Fabinho and Karim Benzema, however, it does appear opportunities could be limited for the Celtic favourite if Gallardo leans on what he knows best.

The 47-year-old has been linked with a slew of vacancies in European football after his historic run as River Plate boss came to an end last year. But each post has come and gone with Gallardo still on the outside looking in. And it now appears the temptation to become the world's highest paid boss at Ittihad could prove too good to turn down.

Jota has been reduced to playing in AFC Champions League games and friendlies in recent months after he failed to make the Saudi Pro League cut. And he is now hoping Gallardo's methods have room for him to make an impact.