Fabrizio Romano says West Ham are doing all they can to sign ‘outstanding’ player

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Fabrizio Romano has said West Ham are doing all they can to sign Jota from Al-Ittihad, with a deal heading into the final stages.

The Portuguese winger has been subject to some serious interest from West Ham this month, with Jota expected to return to Europe just six months after moving to Saudi Arabia.

Lauded by former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou as an ‘outstanding’ player, Jota could be quite the addition for the Irons if they can get a deal over the line in time with Al-Ittihad.

And according to Romano, that’s exactly what the Hammers are doing, with West Ham eager to sign Jota having already added Kalvin Phillips to their ranks this January.

Romano said: “I will say that they are really working on the Jota deal. The player is open to making the deal happen because he would like to try this opportunity in a different league with West Ham.

“Also, Al-Ittihad are quite open to finding the formula for the deal with West Ham. The point is about salary. It’s about taxes. This is why it’s taking some time to find the best way between all parties involved.”

Jota could be one of West Ham’s best signings in recent memory

Jota showed at Celtic that he is quite the player when given the right role in the right system, with the former Benfica wonderkid becoming a cult hero in Glasgow after just two seasons.

And for West Ham, Jota could have the same effect if the Portuguese attacker buckles down in east London and gets to work the second he returns to the United Kingdom from Saudi Arabia.

The forward himself will be the first to admit that a move to the Middle East was ill-timed, yet Jota has the quality and time on his hands to make up for his earlier mistake.

Indeed, Jota could thrive at West Ham under David Moyes, and West Ham fans should get excited if a deal can be reached soon with Al-Ittihad for the attacker.