Transfer rumours: West Ham United want Jota, Clubs chasing Frank Onyeka, Leeds United fail with Ben Godfrey bid

After starring for Celtic for two seasons, the Portuguese playmaker made the lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League during the summer.

However, the 24-year-old soon found himself being left out of the squad due to the regulations of the division limiting foreign players, leaving him at five league appearances.

While a further six outings have come in other competitions, Al-Ittihad are open to a departure for Jota this month, The Sun claiming that West Ham have been monitoring the situation.

The report adds that tax issues and Jota's high wage may prevent a deal from materialising, yet the Hammers are allegedly eager to get a transfer over the line.

David Moyes is yet to add to his attacking ranks this month, despite there being a desire to bolster his options due to a knee injury suffered by Michail Antonio and Danny Ings and Divin Mubama not being regarded as regular starters.

Meanwhile, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka is reportedly attracting interest from each of Fulham and Everton.

Having spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Bees, Onyeka has made a total of 65 appearances, but just six of his 16 outings in this season's Premier League have come from the starting lineup.

Although the 26-year-old possesses a contract until 2027, there appears to be the possibility that the Nigeria international would be available for the right price.

According to the Evening Standard, Fulham and Everton are each admirers of Onyeka and are willing to negotiate a deal with their Brentford counterparts.

However, the report adds that Brentford are not prepared to consider a loan deal with both clubs viewed as rivals in the Premier League.

There is also said to be foreign interest, though, with the likes of La Liga Girona and French side Reims monitoring the situation.

Staying on the topic of Everton and the Toffees have reportedly rejected a loan approach from Leeds United for defender Ben Godfrey.

The Yorkshire giants are pushing to strengthen their defensive numbers before the end of the transfer window as they bid to earn promotion from the Championship.

Godfrey, who can play across the backline, has seemingly been identified as their preferred target, Leeds aware that Everton are open to doing business.

Nevertheless, Football Insider says that the Merseyside outfit have rejected Leeds' opening offer, said to be a loan proposal.

Leeds are allegedly preparing a second offer in an effort to get a deal over the line, the hope being that Everton will eventually ease their stance due to their need to reduce their wage bill.

Godfrey, who is 26 years of age, has been restricted to just two starts and one substitute outing in 2023-24, his last appearance coming on December 16 when he completed the 90 minutes during a 2-0 win at Burnley.