Celtic are standing firm on their Jota transfer stance as they chase a record breaking fee of more than £25million for their star man, according to a report.
And it is claimed that the Portuguese ace will automatically trigger a wage INCREASE in his Hoops contract from £35,000 to £45,000 if the Scottish champions rejected an offer of at least £25m to prize him away from Parkhead. The Daily Record report that club chiefs have been locked in weekend talks with Al-Ittihad over the blockbuster move with personal terms already agreed over the switch.
Kieran Tierney left Celtic for Arsenal back in 2019 for a £25m fee and the Hoops are looking to bank even MORE in order to sanction a deal that would see Jota move to the Saudi Pro League. The same report claims the two clubs are close to agreeing a package which could see a move go through in the next couple of days.
Celtic are also braced for bids from the Middle East in Reo Hatate. His representatives previously made it clear he was not interested in a move to the Gulf State earlier in the summer with his focus on his current club and making his name in Europe.
But big-money financial packages could be put in front of him like Jota with interest remaining from Saudi sides - including Al-Ittihad - states the same publication.
Jota arrived at Celtic initially on a loan from Benfica under Ange Postecoglou two seasons ago before shelling out a £6.5m fee to make the deal permanent. The Portuguese giants hold a sell-on clause in any sale.
A departure for the man who has scored 28 goals and provided 26 assists in just 83 games would be a major blow to new boss Brendan Rodgers as he bids to defend the Treble success from last season while also make a splash in the Champions League.
