Sources: Rangers could accept ‘big-money’ Olwethu Makhanya offer
Rangers may be forced into selling Olwethu Makhanya in January if a big offer for his services arrives from a top European league, sources have told Football Insider.
Makhanya arrived at Rangers from MLS club Philadelphia Union for around £3million in the summer.
The 22-year-old centre-back is proving to be one of the bargains of the Premiership so far as he stars in their ongoing six-game winning run.
He was one of the best players on the pitch in each of their Old Firm victories prior to the international break.
His form has raised doubts around how long the Gers will be able to keep hold of him, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, they will accept a huge offer for Makhanya in the next window if one arrives.
Their priority is to keep hold of him for at least one campaign, with his contract not set to expire until 2030.
Olwethu Makhanya might leave Rangers after just five months
New data from the CIES Football Observatory claims that Makhanya's valuation has shot up to around £12m as it stands, meaning his value has already quadrupled just seven weeks on from joining the Gers.
He could well attract interest from several clubs in the top five European leagues ahead of January, and a big enough offer would likely tempt Rangers into a sale.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Obviously, if a big-money offer comes in, we've seen in the past at Rangers, they can't compete with the top English Premier League clubs or even the top European clubs financially, so they would have to reluctantly cash in on him.
"But look, 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)."
Rangers could recall Connor Barron amid tough loan spell
Rangers' late summer business saw midfielder Barron leave for Championship side Middlesbrough on loan on Deadline Day.
He is yet to even make his Boro debut and has only made the matchday squad once since arriving, when they lost to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Barron could be recalled by Rangers in January if he continues to watch from the sidelines on Teesside.