Schalke have confirmed that Rabbi Matondo has been left out of their squad for the preseason training camp in Austria.
The reason they gave makes it pretty clear that the Wales international’s move to Rangers could be imminent:
Everyone travelling tested negative before setting off.
Three people haven't made the trip:
▪️ Florian Flick (Corona)
▪️ Beniamino Molinari (Corona)
▪️ Rabbi Matondo (transfer talks) #S04 | #S04HoheTauern— FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) July 11, 2022
Reports in the Scottish media suggest that the Bears are close to agreeing a deal for Matondo, with the winger expected to cost around £2.5m.
A number of other clubs in the UK have been linked with the 21-year-old, including Celtic, but it appears that the Gers are now the firm favourites to secure his signature.
Matondo moved to Schalke from Manchester City for £11m in the 2019 January transfer window but he never managed to establish himself in the German club’s first team.
The Welshman has had subsequent loan spells at Stoke City and Cercle Brugge. The Belgian Pro League outfit actually had an option to buy the player but they decided against paying €3.5m (£3m) to sign him.