How much Rangers are set to save as £5m Olwethu Makhanya agreement close

Rangers are nearing the finalisation of a deal for Olwethu Makhanya.

The South African defender would mark Rangers' eighth signing of the summer as Derek McInnes continues to rebuild the Ibrox squad.

Ibrox News understands that Rangers are also in talks for Amario Cozier-Duberry ahead of this Friday's Scottish Premiership opening game.

There have been many changes and fresh faces in Auchenhowie this summer, and expectation will certainly be to push for the title.

McInnes will want to have an optimal squad to do so after falling at the last hurdle with Hearts in the previous campaign.

And the addition of a new centre-back would go a long way in achieving those goals.

How Rangers now feel about agreeing Olwethu Makhanya transfer

A centre-back signing is needed at Rangers, and it looks like they are set to secure their man.

According to The Scottish Sun on Monday evening, Philadelphia Union were holding out for £6million in order to allow the 22-year-old to depart.

But the report shares the Gers are "closing in" on a transfer worth £5m, in what would be £1m saving by the the Glasgow side.

The Bears' chiefs are said to be playing "hard-ball" in talks and have hope that a compromise on a fee can be sought as they eye an agreement within the next 48 hours.

If a move can be agreed within that timeframe, Makhanya could be available as part of Rangers' squad when they travel to face Dundee United on Friday evening.

That would be a significant boost for McInnes as he will want the strongest possible squad to start the season off in quick fashion.

The centre-back position is a priority for Rangers with McInnes said to be "desperate" to land a new addition there.

What does Makhanya transfer mean for Rangers' squad?

With the arrival of Makhanya, that could open the door to some exits this summer.

While Rangers have acted fast in terms of bringing new players in, they have been fairly slow at agreeing deals for exits.

So far, Jack Butland is the only player that has exited on a permanent and handed the Gers a cash injection.

Nonetheless, with their latest business could see John Souttar leave Ibrox this summer.

The Sun also share that Swansea City, Watford and Sheffield United have all been attracted to the centre-back this transfer window.