The Rangers Review reported on Monday night that Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya was poised to become the eighth arrival of the summer at Ibrox.
It is understood that the South African internationalist will pen a four-year deal with Rangers after positive discussions in recent days. Union will receive around £3million as Rangers add another defensive option to McInnes’ ranks this term.
McInnes wants to add a right-winger to his squad (Image: PA)
The Ibrox boss has spoken about the need to strengthen in wide areas after watching his side beat Saint-Etienne and draw with West Ham United in their two pre-season fixtures. McInnes is hopeful of making another addition before Friday’s match.
Markelo is on the club’s shortlist of options on the right wing. The Rangers Review understands a loan move has been discussed amid significant interest in the 23-year-old this summer from across Europe.
Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who impressed on loan at Bolton last season, also remains under consideration. The 21-year-old right-winger was still training with Brighton over the weekend, however, as the south-coast club wait to make a call on his future.
Markelo came through the ranks at Ajax and moved to Coventry after two years with FC Zurich. He made just five appearances for Frank Lampard’s side following that switch in January and could now be on the move again as Rangers look to strike a deal this summer.
McInnes will take charge of his side for the first time in a competitive fixture when Rangers head to Tannadice on Friday evening. And the nine-in-a-row hero is well aware of the size of the task in hand as he sets his sights on the Premiership title this term.
“Rangers, for long periods [last season], were in the running for a few months,” McInnes said as he looked ahead to the trip to Tannadice and the start of his title challenge.
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“We know there are performances here that can win games, so we’ve just got to try and get to our level more often. Individually, you see a lot of players whose reach and levels are really high at times, and we’ve got to try and make sure that we get that more often than not.
“As a team, we’ve got to try and treat each game with the same importance, and hopefully we can get off to a good start.
“I think it’s important that we get off to a good start; we’ve not had that for a few seasons at Rangers, particularly that opening game. I think trying to build confidence, momentum, and belief is key.”
