Rangers 'doing everything' to block Olwethu Makhanya joining Premier League club

Rangers are prepared to do everything in their power to keep hold of Olwethu Makhanya despite interest from Premier League clubs.

The 22-year-old has been outstanding under Derek McInnes since his £3million move from MLS outfit Philadelphia Union, and is already being tipped for a move away.

His performances have attracted suitors from across Europe, with scouts frequently in attendence at Ibrox to track his progress just months into his career in Scotland.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rangers are "delighted" with Makhanya's early form and have no plans to entertain a departure in the near future.

Instead, they are prepared to pull out all of the stops to keep him at the club, as they put ambitious plans in place for what could be a successful season at Ibrox.

Premier League clubs' financial might could force Rangers into a decision, but for now, they are prepared to rebuff any advances in favour of keeping Makhanya in Glasgow.

How do Rangers feel about selling Olwethu Makhanya?

Football Insider revealed on 25 September that Rangers will stand firm against any interest in Makhanya and have no plans to entertain offers in the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old centre-back has been a mainstay at the back since arriving at Ibrox, and will continue to play a key role in McInnes' side for the rest of the season.

After he put pen to paper on a four-year contract until 2030, with the option of an extra year, Rangers remain in a strong position over Makhanya and will block his exit.

"Rangers will be delighted with his form since he came to the club in the summer," Brown told Football Insider.

"We spoke about how difficult it can be for Rangers to sign players and where they might have to look, and they've looked over in the MLS and signed a real top player.

"Whenever a player is making waves at either Rangers or Celtic, they're bound to attract interest from the Premier League, so I don't doubt scouts will be watching him.

"But Rangers will be doing everything in their power to keep hold of him because they won't want to lose him just months into his career.

"Even if a big offer comes in, I can't see them letting him go because he's such an important part of what they're trying to do and the success they are aiming to have this season.

"So I think Rangers will be pretty clear in their stance, they don't want to let him go and they're not going to entertain offers."

Which clubs are interested in signing Makhanya?

Speculation about Makhanya's future at Rangers comes amid growing interest from clubs across Europe, notably in the Premier League where he has some strong admirers.

The centre-back's performances have attracted a number of English clubs, who are looking to strengthen in his position ahead of the January transfer window.

Football Insider revealed on 13 October that Brentford and Sunderland have both had scouts tracking Makhanya's performances at Ibrox with a big-money move in mind.

Rangers are well aware that if the defender continues to impress, then the number of interested clubs will only continue to grow, but have no plans to lose him as things stand.

The South Africa international, who also impressed at the World Cup, also has a number of suitoes in Italy and Spain as a result of his impressive displays for Rangers.