Rangers' chances of keeping Olwethu Makhanya revealed after Premier League duo's transfer mission

Rangers are under no pressure to sell centre-back Olwethu Makhanya in the next 12 months, sources have told Football Insider.

The South Africa international is already attracting plenty of interest from clubs in both Italy and Spain, and the Premier League are also now sitting up and taking notice.

Brentford and Sunderland both had scouts in attendance to watch the 22-year-old in Rangers' 3-1 win over Kilmarnock last weekend.

However, sources say that the Ibrox outfit remain in a "strong position" to keep Makhanya long-term, as he is tied down until 2030 already.

Rangers are well aware that if the defender continues to impress, then the number of interested clubs will only continue to grow in the coming years.

Makhanya only joined from Philadelphia Union in the summer, but has quickly become a hugely influential figure for his new club.

Rangers urged to seal Olwethu Makhanya new contract

Makhanya only joined Rangers in the summer, but he has already made a huge impression in his first few months with the Glasgow giants.

Interest is mounting in the youth defender already, and Rangers have been urged to move to try to protect themselves against that.

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider at the end of September that Rangers should already be looking to extend Makhanya's contract to protect their asset.

Wyness made it clear that the club cannot afford to sell Makhanya "badly" at any stage, and already feels that agents will be "in his ear" about a move.

He outlined that adding another two or three years to the defender's contract could potentially be the difference between landing an £8million fee or a £20m fee in future.

Premier League clubs are already taking notice of the youngster, which could make it difficult for Rangers to keep hold of him long-term.

Rangers' chances of signing Max Dowman

Football Insider revealed on Sunday that Rangers may ultimately lose out on signing Arsenal prodigy Max Dowman in January

The Gunners are contemplating sanctioning a loan move for the attacking midfielder this winter, as he is set to turn 17 at the end of December.

Rangers are firmly in the race to land the starlet, but sources say that interest from a host of English clubs is also expected.

That will make it difficult for the Gers to win the race, while interest from Premier League clubs is also highly anticipated.