Huge talent anticipated to leave Rangers, but pundit astonished by contract, calling it “a hell of a lot of money.”

Derek Ferguson claims that Rabbi Matondo’s massive wages at Rangers make his move to Blackburn before the transfer window closes. The former midfielder for the Gers revealed on Open Goal on August 22 that the wide man is paid £34,000 a week at Ibrox, shocking host Si Ferry.

He has been heavily linked to a move to Ewood Park despite his impressive performance in the 6-0 victory over Ross County on August 24 [Daily Mail, 22 August]. Ferguson thinks it would make sense to approve an exit for the money he is on so Philippe Clement can make some of his own acquisitions prior to the transfer deadline. “The other thing is in terms of the wages because you hear the rumours up here about what he’s on,” he exclusively told Ibrox News.

And he looks to be on a heck of a lot of money for the Scottish Premiership. “I believe the manager would prefer to have him removed from the team because he needs new players.”

“The manager has had a good year to look at Rabbi; he’s been there for a good while.” He might not be his type.I’m sure he leaves with the warmest wishes of the fans.

Rangers winger is what Blackburn Rovers manager wants at Ewood Park. Even before he scored two goals at the weekend, Blackburn manager John Eustance announced his team’s interest in the 23-year-old [Lancashire Telegraph, August 22]. Raising the stakes on a late departure, Clement said after the game that Matondo would stay unless a team were to “come with enough money” [Sky Sports, 24 August]. The Welsh international’s wage would probably be justified if he consistently produced results similar to his most recent one.

But after only showing glimpses of brilliance and two years of patchy form and fitness, the deal might be too costly for the Gers to bear, especially in light of rumours that he might be used as a makeweight to sign Blackburn captain Lewis Travis [Scottish Sun, 23 August].