McAvennie fears Celtic 'messing about' over Jota deal after Portugese journalist's reveal
Frank McAvennie has told Celtic to sign Jota on a permanent basis as soon as possible amid concerns over his future.
The former Hoops hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, fears a rival side could sign the attacker from under Celtic if they don't act soon.
Jota, 22, joined Celtic on loan from Benfica with the club confirming they have the option to make the deal permanent.
The in-form attacker was named as October's Premiership player of the month after scoring two and assisting two goals in that month's five games.
According to Portuguese journalist Almeida last Saturday, the Hoops "will advance" with the permanent signing of Jota for a fee of approximately £6.3million.
McAvennie is worried Celtic will repeat previous mistakes if Jota isn't signed permanently in the near future.
"I don't understand what the hold up is," McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
"Celtic are messing about again, just get it done. They will be sitting waiting to do it at the end of the season.
"Let me tell you, if someone else comes in for him, he will be off. He's brilliant.
"He is playing so well at the moment. Celtic need to pay the money now, give him that contract, whatever it costs.
"I'm sorry but on this one, you have to pay the money sooner rather than later.
"Get him in properly, get him settled and let him get even better.
"Celtic have made this mistake in the past, we can't afford to again."
Jota has scored six and assisted seven goals since moving to Parkhead.
He scored twice in his last league outing against Dundee.