Why Olwethu Makhanya transfer would be a gamble as English scouts look at Rangers ace

Olwethu Makhanya has made a big impression in a short period of time at Rangers.

The South Africa international has been one of the best recruits the Gers made during a hectic transfer window.

Signed for just £3million from MLS outfit Philadelphia Union, Makhanya has really hit the ground running at Ibrox.

The 22-year-old is forming a formidable partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez at the heart of Derek McInnes' defence.

Indeed, his perfomances have already led to suggestions that clubs in England and across Europe are tracking his progress.

Former Rangers striker Kevin Kyle thinks talk of an Ibrox exit are already premature, though, explaining his reasoning behind his thought process.

Why does Kevin Kyle think Olwethu Makhanya would be a gamble for interested clubs?

Makhanya put in another commanding performance as Rangers defeated Kilmarnock 3-1 at Ibrox on Saturday.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, host Paul Cooney shared that English Premier League sides Brentford and Sunderland had scouts at Ibrox watching Makhanya.

Kyle talked up Makhanya's performances, and acknowledged how impressive he has been for McInnes' side so far this season.

However, he sounded a warning to potential suitors who might be considering making a move in the near future.

Kyle thinks that Makhanya has yet to be really tested due to the lack of attacking quality in the Scottish Premiership right now, and believes it is premature to be talking about fees in the region of £15-25million.

He said in reply to Cooney: "Listen, I'm of the opinion that this kid's come in, and he is just a kid at 22. The question I would ask is, firstly he's done amazing at Rangers in terms of he's that steady influence, that settled player at the back the one they can rely on.

"But who's he come up against in the Premiership in Scotland right this minute? Because Celtic at this moment, maybe attacking wise, Duran playing up against maybe him and Fernandez as a lone striker does not really merit pressure on Makhanya.

"So, for teams to be interested that's great, but you'd basically just be buying potential. Because until he plays at that level in the English Premier League or even higher or whatever, then it's a gamble at this time.

"Because for me I'm looking at who they've played against and I don't think too many have really caused him too many problems, but that's maybe because of the level of the striker in Scotland.

"I'm not saying he hasn't been good, because he has been good, but it's still very early to start thinking he can command £15, £20, £25million quid for a kid that's come in from the MLS and played eight games in the Premiership, and came up against a Celtic striker in Hogh who can't hit a barn door and Duran who isn't a natural striker.

"So, for me, calm the jets, and Rangers fans are probably like that as well. Let him mature."

Rangers have a Olwethu Makhanya dilemma

The interest in Makhanya is going to pose a real dilemma for Rangers.

In the past, Rangers have been guilty of not cashing in on their top talent when they have the chance, and losing millions in sales as a result.

At the same time, Rangers want to be competing for the biggest honours, and qualifying for the Champions League.

To do that, they need good players, and boy is Makhanya looking like a good player.

So, it does feel premature to be talking about a sale, and certainly they should not be entertaining anything this winter.

The real test, if he can maintain his form, will come in the summer, because if he keeps playing like this then big offers will arrive.