Derek McInnes’ defensive reconstruction at Ibrox is gathering pace, with Rangers working on multiple central defensive deals in tandem ahead of the new campaign.
Writing in his latest transfer state of play for Rangers Review, Chris Jack revealed that while negotiations remain live with Troyes for 20-year-old French defender Sankhoun Diawara, he is far from the only centre-back under consideration.
Jack wrote: “It’s understood that talks remain live with Diawara, but another centre-back target is also currently being pursued simultaneously.”
By running dual negotiations, Rangers ensure they maintain momentum in the market rather than becoming reliant on a single transaction.
Here are the top three candidates whose profiles align with Jack’s update:
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1. Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union)
Topping the list of potential targets is South Africa international Olwethu Makhanya, a player who has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old physical centre-half has accumulated significant first-team experience in Major League Soccer with Philadelphia Union and has been capped at international level by Bafana Bafana.
Fresh off the back of a FIFA World Cup campaign with South Africa, Makhanya is keen to push for a move to Europe this summer.
In fact, the defender has not returned to training with Philadelphia Union, as he feels they have failed to honour their promise of letting him join a European club if an offer came in this window.
The MLS club are said to have rejected a £3million offer from Belgium already, while Rangers have been in touch with the player’s camp.
2. Corrie Ndaba (Lecce)
Corrie Ndaba is primarily a left-back, but is comfortable operating as a centre-back, thus making him an ideal candidate for Rangers, who also want a back-up for Tuur Rommens.
The Irishman is also a logical target for the Ibrox outfit, considering he knows McInnes from their time together at Kilmarnock.
The 26-year-old has played more games (74) under McInnes than he has under any other manager in his career.
It emerged last week that Rangers are among the clubs considering a move for the defender this summer.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that the Gers are actively pursuing a move for the ex-Kilmarnock ace.
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3. Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven)
Unlike Makhanya and Ndaba, there are currently no direct links between Rangers and Armando Obispo.
However, the Curaçao international presents one of the most compelling tactical opportunities on the market following a high-profile transfer collapse.
The 27-year-old left-footed defender has accumulated extensive European and Eredivisie experience with PSV Eindhoven and represented Curaçao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Obispo looked set for a £3.4million move to Ligue 1 side RC Lens before negotiations broke down.
In the wake of the failed move, data analytics firm SciSports identified Rangers as the ideal destination for Obispo.
According to their metrics, the defender boasts an impressive 84/100 Club Fit score for Ibrox, with his left-footed distribution, aggressive physical profile and tactical versatility matching the Light Blues’ backline requirements.
With PSV open to doing business, data suggests McInnes‘ side would be wise to capitalise on the impasse.
Rangers News verdict
Rangers’ decision to pursue secondary options alongside Diawara reflects a proactive approach to squad planning.
With John Souttar departing and a fresh defensive spine required, securing one of these four targets would give McInnes the balance and depth needed for domestic and European challenges ahead.
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