Rabbi Matondo 'offered' Rangers transfer escape by Bundesliga ally as Oscar Cortes domino effect sent into overdrive
The Welshman has struggled to find top form during his 18 month spell in Glasgow.
Winger Rabbi Matondo has reportedly been offered a Rangers exit route with Bundesliga side Mainz 05 keeping tabs on his situation with deadline day fast approaching.
The Welsh international has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot during his 18 months in the Scottish Premiership with injuries hampering the wide man. He has managed 19 appearances so far this term and netted twice - but it appears that he has yet to win over Philippe Clement with the boss looking to strengthen in the attacking third with the addition of Oscar Cortes from Lens.
And a deal to bring in the Colombian could clear the path for Matondo to leave Ibrox before the January window slams shut. German outlet BILD claim that Mainz are reportedly to "open the door" to a loan switch with director of sport Christian Heidel an admirer - having brought him to Schalke during his time at the Arena AufSchalke.
It is claimed that there is a feeling from Heidel that the move to Rangers "hasn’t paid off" so far and that a late deal could get over the line to help their battle against relegation. Speaking to German media about his hopes before the end of the window Mainz boss Martin Schmidt appeared to hint that he would be looking to add a player like Matondo.
He said: "What we need is a player with creativity, pace and goal threat. The most likely option is a loan or someone whose contract is expiring.”
And the arrival of Colombian Cortes appears to be inching closer - with the a clue from player's representatives being spotted on social media. The 20-year-old travelled back to Europe having been granted permission to leave his national side’s U-23 camp in Venezuela to facilitate a move to the Light Blues.
Top Athlete Management - who would be involved in facilitating a move for Cortes - have now followed Gers on Instagram. That has only added to fans speculation that the third arrival of the winter window is fast approaching.