Rangers are in advanced discussions to sign Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya in a deal worth up to £5 million.
Manager Derek McInnes is seeking central defensive reinforcements before the Scottish Premiership season kicks off on July 31.
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The 22-year-old South African international did not report back to pre-season training with his Major League Soccer club.
Philadelphia Union had rejected a summer transfer bid from an unnamed Belgian side that fell below their £3 million valuation.
According to MLS insider Tom Bogert, the defender actively wants to leave the club following a disagreement over a potential move abroad.
"Olwethu Makhanya hasn't returned to the Philadelphia Union as he wants to leave," said Bogert.
"Makhanya believes club broke promise to let him go to Europe if offer came. Philly rejected a bid from Belgium."
Philadelphia Union insists it was a general agreement that if an offer makes sense, they would do it, and they felt the value wasn't met.
Bogert added that Rangers have reached out to both the club and Makhanya's camp, but nothing is advanced yet.
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Makhanya joined Philadelphia Union from South African club Stellenbosch in 2023 and has made 44 appearances.
He also represented South Africa at the World Cup before their elimination by Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.
Other Defensive Targets
Alongside Makhanya, Rangers have also monitored Excelsior's 23-year-old Swedish central defender Casper Widell as they look to replace John Souttar, who faces interest from English Championship sides Leicester City and Sheffield United.
Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported on July 23 that Widell's departure from Excelsior remains imminent.
"Casper Widell is expected to leave, but the question is when," the report stated.
"As a result, Excelsior do not immediately have a direct replacement for Widell lined up."
McInnes has already secured Atalanta central defender Ben Godfrey on loan from Serie A.
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However, the Ibrox side continues actively working to secure a permanent central defensive signing before opening their league campaign against Dundee United.
