West Ham in transfer 'talks' with former Celtic star amid £25m claim

David Moyes may have found his goalscorer (Image: Getty Images)

Buoyed by the success of securing a loan deal for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, West Ham are now looking to add to their striking options with a move for former Celtic man Jota this January.

talkSPORT reports that the Hammers are one of three Premier League clubs who have opened talks with the Al Ittihad player, who was one of the many high-profile stars who made the move to Saudi Arabia last summer. It is believed that the 24-year-old is desperate for a move back to the continent having not been registered in the club's domestic squad, despite Al Ittihad paying a club record £25 million fee for the player.

Jota's time on the pitch has been very limited and, with the best years of his career ahead of him, the Portuguese star is ready to cut his losses. West Ham's need for attacking reinforcements is no secret with Michail Antonio injured and Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta all wingers at heart.

Jota, who has two goals in 11 appearances since moving to Saudi, previously bagged 28 goals and 26 assists in 83 matches with Celtic over a two-year period. The forward was also regularly on the receiving end of praise from former manager Ange Postecoglou.

After being named in the provisional Portugal squad for the 2022 World Cup, Postecoglou commented: “Super pleased. It’s a hell of a recognition for him; we know how strong a nation Portugal is, particularly in those attacking positions. We know his form has been outstanding for us, both domestically and in Europe, over the last sort of 16-17 months he’s been with us.

“I’m sure it’s encouraging for him because he probably came to us 18 months ago, just wanting to kick-start his career and in a very short space of time, now he’s within national team recognition. So, it’s great for him, and I’m sure it’s a great incentive and motivator for him. Great for our football club.”

The other Premier League clubs competing with West Ham for the player are yet to be named but it is understood that the Benfica academy graduate would have to take a big pay cut to join the Hammers with his £200,000 a-week wages a potential sticking point in any deal.