'He'd be relatively cheap' - Journalist hints at potential 'surprise' Celtic signing

That is the view of journalist Pete O’Rourke, who has been speaking to GiveMeSport amid speculation surrounding the 21-year-old’s future.

Matondo spent last season on loan at Belgian side Cercle Brugge and impressed with nine goals and two assists, but German media outlet Bild has reported that the club are unable to activate their €3.5m (£3m) option-to-buy clause from parent club Schalke.

A number of clubs are said to have been put on red alert as a result, including Celtic, who are thought to that have joined Rangers, Brentford, Leeds, Nottingham Forest and a trio of Ligue 1 suitors in the race to land the Welsh international’s signature.

As the chase intensifies, Schalke have upped their asking price to €4m (£3.5m), but O’Rourke still believes he would it be a clever piece of business by the Hoops.

He told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure it’s somebody that Celtic might think could give them a different option in attack ahead of next season, and I think he’d be relatively cheap as well.

“So, I think Matondo could be somebody who might be a surprise X-factor for Ange Postecoglou going forward as he can play in several positions across the front line.”

Manchester City sold the winger to Schalke for £11.29m back in 2019 but it hasn’t quite worked out for the 11-cap Wales international, whose contract is up next summer. 

He has scored just twice in 32 appearances in Gelsenkirchen and was sent on loan to Stoke City prior to his temporary move to Belgium, where he rediscovered his form with 12 goal contributions in 27 appearances.

He played in various positions last term, while throughout his career he has played a similar amount of games on either flank. 

With his preferred foot being his right, the 5ft 9in ace could certainly be a