Olwethu Makhanya appears to be set on a move away from Philadelphia Union, but he has been left ‘devastated’ after the MLS side turned down four offers from other clubs.
It has not been confirmed if one of those bids came from Ibrox, but sources close to the club have confirmed that the South Africa international is a player of interest.
Makhanya did not get any game time for Bafana Bafana at the World Cup, but his time in the United States could be coming to an end in more ways than one.
iDiski Times has reported that an offer of just under £3 million was lodged by a Belgian club, but it was one of those to be rebuffed by Union bosses.
The 22-year-old defender is said to be increasingly frustrated, having made clear his desire to join a club in Europe, with a supposed agreeement in place with the MLS franchise over the last two transfer windows.
Rangers need to be certain on Makhanya
As things stand, Rangers need two senior additions in central defence.
Manny Fernandez and Ben Godfrey are in place within Derek McInnes’ burgeoning squad, but that’s it.
John Souttar is on the way out, following the loan exits of Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius at the end of last season.
So far in the Spanish training camp, the likes of Ross McCrorie and Zander Hutton have lined up in the heart of the back line, but that won’t do once the competitive action commences.
With just a fortnight until the real action begins, the clock is ticking.
Rangers need to be as certain as possible on centre-back targets such as Olweth Makhanya, while another name to be linked was Sankhoun Diawara.
Manny Fernandez will be a first-pick unless a massive transfer bid lands for his services, but the other regular spot is up for grabs.
The rigours of the full season across all fronts mean four options will be required in what will be two crucial signings for Derek McInnes.
