By Wayne Veysey

3rd Nov, 2023 | 8:46am

Sources: Tottenham plot raid for ex-Celtic star Jota after new twist

Tottenham are keeping tabs on former Celtic star Jota but are only likely to be interested in a loan deal in January, sources have told Football Insider.

The forward, 24, has been frozen out at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad, where he has not played a league game since 1 September – as he is not even registered to play in the domestic league.

His lack of action has now opened the door to a January move for a player Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou knows inside out from their time together at Celtic.

Postecoglou remains a huge fan of wide attacker Jota, who is on a huge salary of around £200,000-a-week in Saudi Arabia following his £25million summer move. 

Football Insider revealed on 6th October that Tottenham could explore a potential move for the Al-Ittihad outcast amid long-term injuries for Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic. 

But a loan deal is the only realistic possibility due to the player’s huge salary and the fact he has not played a domestic league match for two months.

He did feature 10 days ago in Al-Ittihad’s 1-0 win over Iraqi outfit Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the AFC Champions League.

Jota, who has one goal in 206 minutes of action this term, can play on both flanks as well as in an attacking midfield berth.

He earned his big-money Saudi move after notching 15 goals and 12 assists in 43 games across all competitions for Celtic as they won a domestic treble last season.

Postecoglou, now in the hot seat at Tottenham, brought Jota to Parkhead on an initial loan in 2021 before signing him permanently a year later.

Al-Ittihad sit sixth in the Saudi top flight, while Tottenham remain top of the Premier League having yet to suffer defeat in the league this term.

Spurs are next in action against Chelsea next Monday (6 November).

In other news, Tottenham make decision on activating defender’s £26million release clause.