Rangers already backed to make £27m Olwethu Makhanya profit as English clubs circle

Rangers may be braced for offers after Olwethu Makhanya's early Ibrox success.

The centre-back completed a £3million move to the Gers from MLS side Philadelphia Union in the summer, penning a four-year deal with the option of an additional 12 months,

The South Africa international has already formed a formidable partnership at the back with Emmanuel Fernandez, a pairing that has helped the Govan side to win each of their last seven competitive games.

Makhanya won the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award for September, picking up his honour alongside Derek McInnes, who was voted to win the Manager of the Month accolade.

The 22-year-old was a top target for the Light Blues, as central defence was made a clear priority after the likes of Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius returned to their respective parent clubs.

However, Makhanya is already said to be drawing interest elsewhere, with Rangers backed to break the Scottish transfer record if they do sell.

Why Rangers could make £27m profit with Olwethu Makhanya

Premier League clubs Brentford and Sunderland sent scouts to watch Makhanya in Rangers' 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday.

His progress is reportedly being tracked by the English clubs ahead of future transfer windows.

Spanish side Sevilla and Serie A outfit Bologna have also been named as two other European clubs that are keeping an eye on the Gers' summer addition.

Makhanya cost Rangers a fee worth around £3m, as per Sky Sports, and there was no mention of included add-ons.

If the defender were to leave in January, it's unlikely that any potential add-ons would have to be paid to his former side anyway, with any bonuses expected to be related to his long-term success while with Rangers.

Makhanya has been backed to become the first £30m sale in Scotland, with Matt O'Reilly currently holding the record after a £26m move to Brighton from Celtic.

That said, if the 49ers were to cash in on a £30m offer, they could make a quick flip of £27m in profit.

Even if they don't sell him next year, the central defender is destined to make Andrew Cavenagh and Co. some healthy profit in the future.

Who would be an acceptable Rangers sale in January?

Let's not get it mixed up; selling Makhanya in January would be a silly decision to make, no matter how much money is waved in the face of Ibrox chiefs.

However, there may be a need to sell in the winter, and if so, who should go?

Nicolas Raskin will most certainly have speculation around his name once again, but his potential sale would also be silly.

However, John Souttar is someone that the Gers need to let go.

Ross McCausland could also leave, while Bojan Miovski is likely to fall even further down the pecking order from now until January.

All three would be sensible players for Rangers to offload.