Andy Newport: John Bennett would drive exit-linked Rangers man away from Ibrox himself

Andy Newport believes Rangers chief John Bennett would be willing to drive Rabbi Matondo out of the club himself this summer.

The 23-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Gers and is on the chopping block ahead of the final days of the transfer window.

When assessing the Rangers squad for the Daily Record [24 August], Newport labelled Matondo – who has been linked with the likes of Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers – as one player the club are desperate to sell before the 30 August deadline.

He said: “I suspect John Bennett will be willing to drive the Welshman to Yorkshire himself. Matondo has never come close to nailing down a first-team slot despite being on an enormous wage. Gers need quality all over but if pushed to prioritise, another centre mid, left winger and striker are the most pressing requirements.”

Will Rangers offload Rabbi Matondo?

The Welshman was linked with a move to Leeds United earlier this week [Football Scotland] but after Daniel Farke moved to sign Largie Ramazani, a move to Yorkshire is now seemingly off the cards.

Blackburn Rovers have emerged as the most likely destination for the winger, their offer for a loan move with the Gers paying most of the salary [Daily Record] is far from ideal however, as the deadline draws near Philippe Clement must decide on the offer with no other interested parties at the table.

A loan move with an option to buy would suit Rangers down to the ground, a return of six goals and four assists last term is nowhere near good enough for a team challenging Celtic for the Scottish Premiership but Matondo is more than capable of performing to a high level in the Championship.

At 23, he still has plenty of football left in his career, a move to the Championship is by all accounts, the best outcome for all parties as he needs to be playing regular first team football and he is a long way away from being of the required quality to be a consistent performer for Rangers.

The decision is ultimately with the player, either sit on the sidelines for a fanbase that will become resentful that their side wasn’t strengthened by the sale or play regular football in the Championship for a side that could challenge the play-off spots this season.

In other Rangers news, the Gers can now secure a transfer for Philippe Clement before the deadline.

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