Rangers' fears about losing Olwethu Makhanya grow after latest

Rangers fear Makhanya could be sold in January as European clubs circle; his valuation has jumped to £12m after four months at Ibrox.

Olwethu Makhanya has become one of Rangers' standout performers since arriving from Philadelphia Union for around £3m in the summer. The 22-year-old South African centre-back has impressed under Derek McInnes, winning Premiership Player of the Month for September and starring in Rangers' unbeaten run.

His performances have caught the attention of European clubs, with Brentford and Sunderland among those scouting him. Data from CIES Football Observatory values him at around £12m, meaning Rangers could make a significant profit within months. However, the club fears his head may be turned and that interested sides could lodge bids as early as January rather than waiting until summer.

Makhanya scored his first Rangers goal with a late header against Hearts in midweek, completing 57 of 64 passes and making eight ball recoveries. Former Scottish pundit McManus described him as "a Rolls Royce" and suggested Rangers could name their price in the summer, though the club's main concern is preventing a mid-season departure.