Sunderland are monitoring Rangers centre-back Olwethu Makhanya as a potential January transfer target. The Black Cats, alongside Premier League side Brentford, had scouts watch the 22-year-old during Rangers' 3-1 win over Kilmarnock last weekend.
Makhanya is a South African international with four caps who moved to Glasgow from Philadelphia Union in a deal worth nearly £3 million this past July. He has made 12 appearances for Rangers across the Scottish Premiership and European competitions, quickly becoming a regular under manager Derek McInnes. In the recent Kilmarnock match, the 6'1" defender made eight defensive contributions, won 75 percent of his aerial duels, and completed 84 percent of his passes.
Defensive reinforcement needed
Sunderland's interest comes as they seek to bolster a defence that has conceded 12 goals in their opening six Premier League matches, leaving them 17th in the table with four points. The need for depth is heightened by an injury to Dan Ballard, making a youthful addition like Makhanya an attractive prospect for succession planning. The club's recent standings position shows the urgency for defensive solidity.
Rangers hold Makhanya on an initial four-year contract with an option for a further year, meaning any move would require a substantial fee. That price is expected to rise if he continues his development, with interest also reported from Serie A, La Liga, and other English top-flight clubs.
Manager Regis Le Bris is assessing his options ahead of the January window, with the immediate focus on an away trip to face 18th-placed Bournemouth this weekend. Fans can view the full upcoming fixtures schedule on the club site. Makhanya made 53 senior appearances for Philadelphia Union before his summer switch to Ibrox.
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