Jota sees Rennes transfer exit route open as Celtic diehards dream of return for winger who loves the Hoops 'for life'
Former Celtic star Jota has reportedly been handed a exit route at Rennes - with Turkish giants Besiktas reportedly preparing a loan bid for the out of favour winger.
The former Portugal youth international only joined the French club for €10 million (£8.3million) last summer after a challenging 12 months in the Middle East with Al-Ittihad, but has made just 10 appearances in all competitions, only three of which have came from the start. Jota has yet to make a start under new Rennes boss Jorge Sampaoli, who recently hinted that those on the fringes of his squad could be moved on in January.
Hoops fans have long dreamt of a return to Parkhead for the former Benfica man, but Celtic will now face stiff competition to land Jota if they decide to try and make a move. Turkish outlet Orta Çizgi claim that Besiktas are keen to try and bring the wide man to Istanbul on loan for the rest of the season.
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However, Celtic diehards will hope the 25-year-old's confessed love for the club will mean Parkhead would be his first port of call if he was to push for a Rennes exit. In an emotional address to supporters following his exit from Glasgow's East End 18 months ago, he said: "You guys found a way of loving me more than my previous girlfriends. And I guarantee you that we were crazy in love.
"For what it matters. I think I've loved you more than them so believe me, I love you for life. No words will ever express how grateful I am for this ride. I'm such a lucky man to have lived two years of full excitement and getting to evolve as a football player and as a person."
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