As of lunchtime on Wednesday 29 July, Rangers appear to have shifted decisively into the next phase of the transfer window. Olwethu Makhanya is edging towards Ibrox, Rangers want at least one new winger and Oliver Antman now looks certain to leave.
Here is the complete state of play from today’s Scottish, English and overseas reporting.
Oliver Antman to Anderlecht
This is today’s biggest development.
Anderlecht have moved for the Finnish winger and Rangers appear ready to accept approximately £5 million. The Scottish Sun reports that Anderlecht have already met Rangers’ demands, with Antman expected to undergo his medical within 24 hours.
That would represent a profit of roughly £500,000 on the £4.5 million Rangers reportedly paid Go Ahead Eagles last summer. The incoming money will return to Derek McInnes’ transfer budget.
However, the Daily Record presents the situation slightly less conclusively. It reports that Anderlecht have submitted a bid, while an unnamed English club also retains an interest. FC Twente previously considered bringing Antman back to the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, every substantial report points towards the same outcome: Antman will leave Rangers and Anderlecht lead the race by a considerable distance.
The most surprising claim is that McInnes decided early that Antman did not form part of his first team plans. That appears remarkable given Rangers’ already serious shortage of natural wingers. Scottish Sun | Daily Record
Olwethu Makhanya closing in
Rangers continue to work on a deal for Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya.
Reports place the prospective fee at approximately £3 million. Personal terms are not expected to present a problem and the 22 year old South African reportedly wants the move.
Makhanya is primarily a left sided centre back. He would balance a defensive group containing John Souttar, Emmanuel Fernandez, Ben Godfrey and potentially Ross McCrorie.
The negotiations appear advanced, but no report available this morning confirms a completed medical or signed contract. Therefore, describing Makhanya as a Rangers player remains premature.
If Rangers complete the transfer, he will become McInnes’ eighth summer addition after Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Ivor Pandur, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and Vanja Dragojević.
Amario Cozier Duberry talks continue
Rangers have accelerated discussions with Brighton over Amario Cozier Duberry.
The 21 year old winger remains one of the club’s priority attacking targets. Reports suggest Rangers want a permanent transfer rather than another developmental loan.
Brighton previously rejected an offer of approximately £5 million from West Ham. Therefore, Rangers may need to pay above that figure or construct a deal with achievable additions and a future sell on clause.
Cozier Duberry reportedly remains open to an Ibrox move. However, Brighton still control the situation because his contract has two years remaining. West Ham, Paris FC and Augsburg have also shown interest.
The Antman sale could help Rangers finance this deal. That creates a logical sequence: sell Antman for £4.5 million and redirect most or all of the proceeds towards Cozier Duberry. Scottish Sun
Rangers hold Jahnoah Markelo talks
A new name has entered the winger search.
Rangers have reportedly held discussions with Coventry City about a season long loan for Jahnoah Markelo. Sky Sports’ Scottish transfer coverage carried the report overnight.
The 23 year old Suriname international offers another left footed option for the right wing. At this stage, the reporting only confirms talks. It does not establish an agreement between the clubs or suggest that Markelo has accepted the move.
Markelo could represent the lower cost alternative to Cozier Duberry. Equally, Rangers might want both players because McInnes needs two genuine wingers after Antman’s expected departure.
That distinction matters. Markelo should not automatically be described as the alternative who ends the Cozier Duberry pursuit. Sky Sports | Daily Record
Vaclav Černý return mentioned again
The Scottish Sun and others claim former Rangers loanee Vaclav Černý is one of the wingers on the club’s radar.
This is much weaker than the Makhanya, Cozier Duberry or Markelo information. There is no reported bid, no agreement and no indication that Beşiktaş actively want to sell him.
The suggestion appears connected to Beşiktaş possibly recruiting another winger and potentially accepting somewhere around £7 million to £9 million for Černý.
For now, this belongs firmly in the speculative category. Rangers like the player and know what he can offer, but nothing yet demonstrates an active transfer negotiation.
Ross McCausland wanted by Luton Town
Luton Town have reportedly opened discussions about signing Ross McCausland.
The Northern Ireland winger returned after spending last season with Aris Limassol. Aris held an option to buy him, but McCausland decided against remaining in Cyprus.
He has only one year left on his Rangers contract and barely featured during pre season. His omission against Saint Étienne and West Ham strongly indicated that McInnes does not see him as a major part of the squad.
Luton now play in League One under Jack Wilshere. Several other English and European clubs have previously tracked McCausland, although no fee has emerged from today’s reports. Scottish Sun
John Souttar attracting English interest
John Souttar’s future remains unresolved.
Several EFL clubs reportedly want the Scotland defender and Rangers appear willing to let him leave despite recently agreeing a new contract.
Makhanya’s proposed arrival would make Souttar’s departure considerably more likely. However, today’s reporting does not name the interested English clubs, reveal a formal offer or give an expected fee.
Rangers therefore appear open to negotiations, but Souttar is not yet on the verge of joining a specific club.
Paul Nsio set for St Mirren loan
Paul Nsio is expected to sign a Rangers contract extension before joining St Mirren on a season long loan.
The 20 year old midfielder impressed during his spell with Raith Rovers and collected several individual awards. Rangers now want him tested at Premiership level without losing control of his future.
This looks like an excellent developmental move and appears close to completion. Scottish Sun | Read Rangers
Nico Raskin remains the major unlock
There is no credible report of a formal Nico Raskin offer today.
European interest remains substantial following his World Cup performances, but Rangers have not received the £25 million to £30 million proposal required to trigger his departure.
Raskin remains Rangers’ most valuable saleable asset and his eventual exit could finance two or three significant additions. However, Antman’s departure gives the club a smaller and more immediate source of transfer money.
The situation remains one of interest rather than action.
Connor Barron and Nedim Bajrami
Connor Barron continues to attract general interest from European clubs, but nothing fresh today identifies a bidder or formal proposal.
There is also unsourced forum discussion suggesting Nedim Bajrami could leave on loan with an option to buy. Other social posts claim his agent has spoken to clubs in Italy. No established outlet currently provides enough substance to treat either claim as advanced.
Overall verdict
The strongest current developments are:
- Antman is expected to join Anderlecht for around £4.5 million.
- Makhanya is moving closer to a £3 million Rangers transfer.
- Rangers are actively pursuing Cozier Duberry.
- Rangers have discussed a Markelo loan with Coventry.
- Luton want McCausland.
- Souttar remains available to English clubs.
- Nsio is heading towards St Mirren on loan.
The most revealing aspect is Rangers’ intended winger overhaul. Antman and McCausland could both leave while Cozier Duberry, Markelo and possibly Černý feature on the replacement list.
Makhanya looks like the next arrival, but the real test will follow. Rangers cannot sensibly enter the season with their present lack of creativity. At least one winger appears essential, while two would make considerably more sense.
Ibrox Noise will continue to bring you all the latest.