Ally McCoist Sends Clear Message to Rangers Over £3mOlwethu Makhanya as January Transfer QuestionEmerges

Rangers have enjoyed a significant improvement under Derek McInnes, with their domestic performances offeringencouragement after a disappointing European campaign.

The Light Blues currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership and have conceded just nine goals in their opening 11league matches. Their defensive organisation has been central to that progress, with Olwethu Makhanya emerging as animportant figure at the back.

McInnes strengthened his position with two victories over Celtic, first recording a 3-0 League Cup quarter-final triumphbefore securing a 1-0 Premiership win against their Old Firm rivals.

Rangers then booked their place in the League Cup final by defeating Aberdeen 1-0 on October 31, keeping their hopes ofdomestic silverware firmly alive.

Makhanya has played a major part in that defensive improvement since arriving from Philadelphia Union in a £3 milliondeal.

The 22-year-old South African offers McInnes versatility, having the ability to operate at both centre-back and left-back.Standing at 6ft 2in, he also provides considerable aerial strength alongside the composure needed to build attacks fromdefence.

His performances have attracted attention, but Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes the defender should not beconsidering an early departure from Ibrox.

McCoist delivers January transfer advice

According to The Herald, McCoist has backed Pat Nevin’s assessment of Makhanya and believes the defender shouldconcentrate on establishing himself at Rangers rather than looking towards another move.

Speaking to talkSPORT Bet Online Casino, the former Rangers striker said:

“Pat Nevin generally talks an awful lot of sense, and he’s spot on here. I don’t think Makhanya should be in any rush togo anywhere.

“He’s had a very good start, though the weekend was maybe a little reminder that you don’t get any easy games andyou’re a target.

“So, from that point of view, there’s no doubt that with the way he’s started, there will be clubs looking at him.

“But I would be advising him to stay for a while, get the job done, keep getting rave reports, and see where it takes him.”

Makhanya’s performances have certainly provided encouragement for Rangers.

He has accumulated 900 minutes in the Premiership this season, earning an impressive 7.55 FotMob rating. His aerialduel success rate sits close to 70 per cent, while he has also recorded an 83 per cent success rate in tackles.

The defender demonstrated his value at the other end of the pitch with a late equaliser in Rangers’ 2-2 draw against Heartson October 28.

Despite the growing attention, McCoist believes there is little reason for the youngster to rush into a new challenge.

Rangers legend outlines McInnes’ biggest priority

McCoist also made his position clear on what Rangers should be targeting during the remainder of the campaign.

Although reaching the League Cup final represents an opportunity to secure silverware, he insists the Premiership titlemust remain the club’s main objective.

He added:

“I don’t think anything has changed. I think Rangers have got to set out right now to win every domestic trophy they can.

“You have to be looking to win the league title, that is the most important one at the start of the season for a team likeRangers.

“The Cups I always say are a more than achievable bonus, but you’ve got to get the league title.

“That is still the priority for me looking at it, and the priority for most Rangers fans right now.”

Should Rangers reject January offers for Makhanya?

Rangers have little incentive to sell Makhanya midway through the season, particularly with McInnes attempting to builda squad capable of challenging for domestic honours.

The defender has developed an effective partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez, while John Souttar and loan signing BenGodfrey provide further options in central defence.

Allowing Makhanya to leave in January would risk disrupting a defensive unit that has become increasingly reliable.Finding a suitable replacement during the winter window could also prove difficult.

His contract at Ibrox runs until 2030, meaning Rangers are under no immediate pressure to negotiate a sale.

The £3 million investment could eventually generate a significant return if his development continues, but cashing in nowcould undermine the progress McInnes has made.

With the League Cup final approaching and the Premiership title race still to be contested, keeping Makhanya availablewould appear to be the sensible option.

Any potential English interest may have to wait, with Rangers having plenty to gain from keeping one of their most promising defensive performers at Ibrox.