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‘Some think it’s impossible’… The ‘main obstacle’ West Ham face to sign Jota in January
West Ham United are attempting to wrap up a deal for Al Ittihad forward Jota ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
It was claimed on Monday morning that the Hammers have reached an agreement with the Saudi Pro League outfit to sign Jota.
West Ham are in the market for a new forward player this week and after a deal for Ibrahim Osman broke down yesterday, David Moyes’ men have quickly switched their focus to Jota.
But while reports have suggested that West Ham are close to snapping up the Portuguese star, Jacob Steinberg claims the east Londoners face a major ‘obstacle’ when it comes to wrapping up a deal.
West Ham face major ‘obstacle’ in deal to sign Jota
Steinberg took to on Monday morning and shared an update on West Ham’s move for Jota.
The journalist claims West Ham are facing a ‘tax issue’ when it comes to landing Jota, with some believing it will be ‘impossible to resolve’.
He wrote: “Main obstacle for Jota > West Ham on loan is the tax issue.
“Some think it’s impossible to resolve. But West Ham are really keen to get a winger on loan.”
The ‘tax issues’ refer to Jota’s £200,000-a-week salary at Al Ittihad. The winger completed a switch to the Middle East over the summer after leaving Celtic.
Jota would have to pay tax on his earnings should he complete a switch back to the UK, which could ultimately complicate a possible move to east London.
Yet, there is clearly optimism from West Ham’s end that an agreement can be reached to sign the former Celtic winger.
Jota has endured a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia after leaving Scotland, managing just five appearances in the league.
The 24-year-old was a fan-favourite at Celtic Park under now Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
West Ham seem intent on snapping up a forward player before Thursday’s deadline and it will be intriguing to see how the talks with Jota progress over the coming days.