Jota appears to be on the verge of a life-changing move to Saudi Arabia.

With personal terms reportedly agreed, the Portuguese’s sensational switch to Al-Ittihad is well down the line.

And now, a report has surfaced regarding the extent of the club’s interest in the 24-year-old.

According to The Scottish Sun, Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espírito Santo has been tracking Jota for over a year.

It is also said in the report that Nuno himself made a personal pitch to Jota to persuade him to move to the Middle East.

Moreover, the former Spurs and Wolves boss has been keen on Jota since he was appointed Al-Ittihad manager last July.

He told chiefs of the club that he should be a priority target this summer and although Jota and Nuno share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, the 49 year old is a big fan of his fellow countryman.

With this news, although the money factor is a colossal reason for the move, the manager of Al-Ittihad personally intervening will be a big one too.

For any player, if the manager of a club is eager for someone to join and there are several pulls like there are here, it is tough for anyone to turn down.

Over the next few days, it is certain that more details such like these will surface regarding the Jota deal.

Nevertheless, it is vastly interesting that Nuno has been a long term admirer of the 24 year old although this is not the only reason for the Portuguese’s sensational switch.