By Frank McAvennie

23rd Sep, 2023 | 8:00pm

Expert has heard Jota will return to Celtic in January

Jota is planning a sensational return to Celtic in January.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie said he has heard that Jota could be on his way back to Parkhead just months after his departure.

The 24-year-old joined Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad this summer in a £25million deal just a year after signing a permanent deal with Celtic.

But according to journalist Rudy Galetti (20 September), the winger has been left off the team list until the winter transfer window.

The Portuguese attacker is now weighing up whether to wait until January to see if the club’s decision will change or start talks to terminate his contract.

Brendan Rodgers has made several attacking signings with Marco Tilio, Hyunjun Jang and Luis Palma joining the club this summer.

Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and Liel Abada are other options Rodgers has to call upon.

McAvennie has been impressed with the current players but could see Jota returning.

“Maeda is doing a wonderful job,” he told Football Insider.

“He is just up and down, defends and it does not matter whether it is the right or left side.

“But someone told me Jota is coming back in January.

“It would be nice to have him back because you know what you are getting with him but I do think Brendan will need to sit down with the powers that be and tell them that he needs to sign some players.“

In other news, Celtic have smashed club record with £51m payout.