Sheffield United to make transfer decision over signing ex Rangers ace as Derby 'alert' over hijack chance
The former Rangers star is wanted by the likes of Derby County and Sheffield United.
A former Rangers star is reportedly set to have a decision made on signing for Sheffield United - as Derby County eye a possibly hijack chance.
Rabbi Matondo left the Premiership side earlier this year after limited minutes at Ibrox. He joined Norwegian side Brann SK but that stint in Scandinavia is already set for a conclusion. The winger has been allowed to train with Chris Wilder’s Championship Blades to see if he can win a deal with them.
He has impressed with Sheffield United but the time to make a call on whether or not he gets a contract is upon him. There could be alternate offers though with other clubs in England’s second tier like Derby County and Middlesbrough said to be lining up possible moves of their own for Matondo.
What former Rangers star could join Sheffield United?
Reporting in the Star claims: “A decision is expected to be taken on Rabbi Matondo’s Sheffield United future this week after the former Rangers man caught the eye on the Blades’ pre-season trip to Valencia last week. The Welsh international was given permission to link up with United in Spain and featured in one of two XIs in either half as the Blades beat Levante on Friday to continue their unbeaten pre-season campaign.
“The Star has been told that Matondo looked bright in Spain and is expected to remain with United this coming week, potentially having another chance to impress in this afternoon’s behind-closed-doors friendly with Huddersfield Town The understanding is that no decision has yet been made on Matondo’s future and that this week is key in his hopes of landing a return to British football.”
Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke said of other interest in the former Rangers star: “Derby and Middlesbrough are among a number of Championship clubs on alert for Wales international Rabbi Matondo after rejecting the opportunity to extend his time with Norwegian club SK Brann.”
What other former Rangers star has signed for Sheffield United
Joe Rothwell swapped Rangers for Sheffield United after half a season at the Light Blues earlier this year but Wilder blamed his rocky start to life in Yorkshire on difficulties north of the border. He said after a debut red card vs Middlesbrough: I think we all, every United fan - certainly me and the coaches and the players speaking to them - believed that little swinging momentum when we got ourselves back into the game would take us to at least get a draw out of it. But, obviously, Joe can't get away from it and I've talked to him about it.
“Where was your head at? He said: 'I just wanted to make a big tackle to lift the crowd'. Unfortunately, his timing was off and I think that might be because of not playing a lot of football as well. He's disappointed. He was sat in the changing room with his head in his hands, really. He understands that situation. He committed to a tackle and didn't get it right.”