Player 'expected to arrive' in coming days following Wolves and Rennes interest

According to well respected French newspaper L'Equipe, Rennes are seeking a left-sided winger, and have identified Jota as a possible target. They say that Rennes have entered negotiations for the forward, and he is said to be attracted by the project offered by the Breton club, but that there is also interest from Sporting.

Rennes finished 10th in Ligue One last season, and so they wouldn't be able to offer Jota the chance to play European football. They have been busy in the transfer market however and this summer signed Wales international Jordan James from Birmingham City. James was previously linked with a move to Molineux, whilst Rennes have also signed Glen Kamara from Leeds United.

As for Sporting, they could be the more attractive proposition out of the two of Wolves’ rivals, as they have qualified for the league phase of the UEFA Champions League after winning the Primeira Liga last season. Jota would have to win over the Sporting supporters however as he played for their biggest rivals Benfica, before signing for Celtic in 2022.

In a report from The Scottish Sun earlier this week, it was reported that Jota demanded he be released, so he could complete a move back to Europe. Manager Laurent Blanc was apparently willing to allow the player to join another Saudi Pro League team on loan, but rejected that, with his heart now set on returning to the continent. Discussions are now ongoing between the club and the player’s representatives where there will hopefully be an amicable resolution.

A deal has not yet been confirmed, but it appears that Rennes are the most confident about signing the player. Le Parisien journalist Benjamin Quarez reported on Thursday night that Jota should join the French side in the coming days. Quarez in a Twitter post translated from French read: "Jota should be in Rennes in the coming days. Negotiations are well underway for the Al-Ittihad winger. There would be little more to complete the deal."