Rangers told not to fear over potential bids for Ibrox 'revelation' as Light Blues hold strong bargaining chip

Rangers fans won’t want to hear any transfer speculation surrounding in-form defender Olwethu Makhanya - but they’ve been told not to worry as even if bids come in January, the club have a strong bargaining chip.

The 22-year old has been described as a ‘Rolls Royce’ on countless occasions following his strong start to the season in the Scottish top flight. At times the South African centre back has made defending look easy in a royal blue jersey since signing for £3m from Philadelphia Union - particularly in the most recent Old Firm double header against Celtic where Rangers came out on top twice.

However, as is the case with any high-performing star in the SPFL, outside transfer interest is never far way. If Makhanya continues on the same trajectory, then there is a high chance he’ll be on the radar of other clubs. However, with Rangers having negotiated his contract until the summer of 2030, even if a move comes to fruition, a hefty fee can be expected.

Rangers in ‘good position’ to deal with potential Makhanya bids

According to prominent transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Ibrox side will be reluctant to entertain any offers for the South African. He told Football Insider: “They don’t want to lose him (Makhanya) already. Definitely not. They won't want to sell.

“They'll want to keep hold of Makhanya for as long as they possibly can. Makhanya has been a revelation since his move from Philadelphia Union in the MLS. He's under a long-term contract until 2030. So Rangers are in a good position here if any interest was to firm up (into an offer)."

The defender was given his first chance under manager Derek McInnes last month in the league against Hibernian. Despite the 2-1 defeat, Makhanya showed early signs that he could be an Ibrox success. In the games since, he’s been an integral part of a Rangers side who’ve earned six clean sheets in nine matches.

What has Derek McInnes made of Makhanya’s start?

The Rangers boss has praised the defender’s adaptability after making the switch across the Atlantic. When asked about Makhanya last month, he responded: "He's come from MLS, a different type of football, we've seen a lot of games in MLS and it's slow and pedestrian-like. What we did like about him when we watched him was his ability to go man-for-man, his ability to not lose a foot race.

“There's a calmness on the ball. It's a different type of football, obviously, in the MLS, you don't get that sort of experience here. But I do think he's dealt with everything we've asked him. I think it's right that you mention it, to be honest. I think he's come in where the team's not been at its best. He's coming from the outside in and just trying to settle in. I think there's a lot of them in that sense.”

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