Wanted Rabbi Matondo is closing in on a transfer to Rangers with the next 48 hours set to pave the way for his switch from Schalke to Ibrox.
The 21-year-old is wanted by Gio van Bronckhorst as he seeks reinforcements ahead of his side's crunch Champions League qualifiers that come amid their pursuit of a fast start to the Scottish Premiership campaign. Matondo is on the verge of exiting Schalke and has previously been on loan at Stoke City and Cercle Brugge in recent seasons. And now is on the verge of joining the Europa League finalists with only minor details still to be rubber stamped.
And there is a strong feeling in Germany that Matondo will become van Bronckhorst's third signing within a week after the captures of Antonio Colak and Tom Lawrence. Sport 1's Patrick Berger said: "Rabbi Matondo will not fly to Austria tomorrow for Schalke’s training camp. He is free to clarify his future. Negotiations ongoing. Further talks at the beginning of the new week. Personal terms not fully agreed yet. But all parties expect a transfer to Glasgow Rangers."