Olwethu Makhanya fee drops as Rangers ready serious transfer bargain

Rangers are closing in on the signing of Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya.

Derek McInnes teased that a new signing was days away after the 0-0 draw against West Ham on Sunday.

As the Bears prepare to open the Scottish Premiership season at Dundee United on Friday, they aren't sleeping in the market.

Makhanya has been linked with Ibrox for weeks, and despite taking the long way round, he's now due for Glasgow.

Ibrox News covered the information that Rangers would pay up to £5million for Makhanya.

But, it appears that may not be the case afterall.

What will Rangers actually pay for Olwethu Makhanya?

With John Souttar set for the exit door, reinforcements are needed at the back desperately.

Makhanya will provide that exactly, alongside Ben Godfrey and Emmanuel Fernandez, in a menacing backline.

Now, the Daily Record has reported in its print edition on Tuesday that Makhanya will actually only cost Rangers £3m.

The newspaper states that Ibrox chiefs are very confident of getting a deal done before the Dundee United showdown.

And for a possible £2m drop in the first reported fee, Rangers and McInnes will be delighted.

What else do Rangers need in transfer window?

There are still plenty of holes to fill in this squad.

Footage of Makhanya dominating Lionel Messi will get Rangers fans excited at this apparent bargain, but not carried away yet.

Amario Cozier-Duberry is another prominent target as the Bears look to improve out wide in the final third next.

Two wingers, another midfielder and a left-back may all still be needed.

That's because there are plenty of exits still being lined up by McInnes and his staff in the coming weeks.

Nicolas Raskin is the obvious candidate after his standout World Cup, but Connor Barron, Nedim Bajrami, Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman could also move on.

That would free up serious wages and transfer funds, but with Rangers saving serious money on Makhanya already, they're in a great position for more.

It's unlikely that the South African star comes straight into the action on Friday, but he should be available for selection.

McInnes will be delighted, as his Rangers squad finally starts to come together.