Why Olwethu Makhanya to Rangers talk will only ramp up amid update from America
Rangers fans may have been given extra reason to believe Olwethu Makhanya could be on his way to Ibrox.
Ibrox News reported earlier this week that Rangers are preparing an opening bid for Makhanya.
The 22-year-old is in demand after catching the eye for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.
Makhanya was also part of South Africa's World Cup squad this summer, but he did not feature in any of their four matches.
He is now back with his club side following South Africa's last-32 loss to Canada three weeks ago.
But a new update on Saturday has only raised more eyebrows among Philadelphia Union fans with regards to his future.
Olwethu Makhanya absence from training explained
The MLS season is now back underway following a break for the World Cup in the States.
The Union take on New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night, but Makhanya has been absent from training ahead of the match.
Providing an update on the situation, Philadelphia Union sporting director Jon Scheer said that is down to "personal reasons".
Understandably, though, many Union fans cynically believe the defender wants out - claims that stack up based on previous reports.
Why Makhanya is 'devastated' at transfer developments
Makhanya has spent the past three years with Philadelphia in MLS, making 13 appearances so far in his breakthrough campaign this year.
Union signed him at a young age and crafted him into a solid defender.
He is seemingly now ready for the next step in his development, with Rangers not alone in showing an interest.
An unnamed Belgium club recently bid £3m for Makhanya, but that was rejected.
It is said to have left Makhanya "devastated", which perhaps provides further credence to suggestions he is delaying his return to training.
Makhanya was hailed as an "explosive defender" by Union chief Ernst Tanner in the past.
It may well be that Rangers fans get to see that up close regularly if they now push ahead with their plans to sign the African ace.