Rangers target Olwethu Makhanya has failed to return to Philadelphia Union as he attempts to force through a move to European football.
According to an update from The Athletic’s MLS insider Tom Bogert, the 22-year-old South African central defender has absented himself from Union’s training environment following a major breakdown in relations over his future.
Makhanya’s camp feel the club went back on a verbal commitment to sanction a move to Europe when an official approach arrived.
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Olwethu Makhanya in dispute with Philadelphia Union
The underlying friction stems from a rejected offer from a Belgian club during the ongoing summer transfer window.
Makhanya believes Philadelphia breached a clear agreement to allow him to test himself in Europe if a concrete proposal materialised.
However, the Union maintain that any understanding was contingent on receiving a proposal that matched their internal valuation – a figure they feel the Belgian offer fell well short of meeting.
It is worth noting that reports from South African outlet iDiski Times claimed that the latest offer from Belgium was worth over €3.5million (£3million).
Where Rangers stand
Rangers have monitored the highly-rated defender as part of their summer search for central defensive depth.
Bogert confirms that Rangers have made direct contact with both Philadelphia Union and Makhanya’s representatives to outline their interest.
However, discussions have not progressed to an advanced stage or yielded a formal bid at this point.
While the Light Blues continue to assess options like Troyes centre-back Sankhoun Diawara, Makhanya’s escalating standoff in Major League Soccer could present an opportunity if Philadelphia decide to cut ties with the disgruntled defender.
However, with the MLS club already holding out for significantly more than £3m, it remains to be seen if the Andrew Cavenagh-led club can meet their valuation.
