West Ham United transfer news as Manuel Pellegrini wants Jota too in London Stadium update
West Ham lead the race to sign Al Ittihad outcast Jota on loan and are set to beat Real Betis to the January signing, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese newspaper reported [30 January] that Betis, who are managed by former Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini, had expressed an interest in the winger but "everything indicated" that he will make the move to London instead.
It is understood that the 24-year-old is in search of a club this January where he can play regular football, having been exiled from Al Ittihad's league squad since September.
Much-needed addition
Considering Betis' interest in Pablo Fornals, as per Ryan Taylor, it is unlikely that the Spanish side would make a move for Jota, especially considering his current wage bills in Saudi Arabia.
Also, with David Moyes' serious lack of reinforcements in attack, West Ham are calling out for a new winger to breathe life into the squad after the absences of Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
Although two out of the aforementioned three have now returned from injury, with only Paqueta still on the sidelines, Jota can offer speed, agility and an eye for goal from the bench, and make it much easier for the manager to rest his stars.
With half the season gone, Moyes will still aim for a top-four spot in the Premier League and European success in the Europa League, following lifting the Europa Conference League title last season.
The Scot will need as many selection headaches as he can get as the busy schedule continues far into the season.
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