Former Rangers players Kevin Kyle and Richard Foster have urged caution over the growing reported transfer interest in Olwethu Makhanya, despite praising the defender's impressive start to life at Ibrox.
Makhanya has established himself as a regular in Derek McInnes' Rangers defence since arriving from MLS side Philadelphia Union, with his pace, strength and composure helping the Gers improve their defensive record.
However, Kyle believes it is too early to place a major valuation on the 22-year-old or assume he is ready to make the step up to the English Premier League.
The former Gers striker questioned how much Makhanya has actually been tested during his first run of matches in Scottish football, particularly against the country's leading attacking players, despite recent back-to-back wins, and clean sheets against Celtic, home and away.
“It's still very early to start thinking you can command £15, £20, £25 million for a kid that's come in from the MLS and played eight games in the Premier League,” Kyle said on Go Radio.
“For me, I don't know. Pump the brakes. I'm not saying he's not good, because he has been good but it's still very early.”
‘He’s the steadier influence’
Foster offered a similar assessment, pointing to the increasing importance of data in modern recruitment.
The former Rangers defender believes Makhanya's statistical profile is likely to be attracting attention, with his physical attributes particularly suited to the demands of the modern game.
“He's quick, he's strong, he's decent enough on the ball, so all these stats will be high and they'll be looking good,” Foster said.
“Rangers are winning games, they're not conceding a lot of goals, so everything will go in his favour.
“Sometimes you can tell a lot about a player about how they respond to, ‘Oh, this guy's as quick as me, this guy's as strong as me.’
Foster also praised Makhanya's partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez and believes the South African has emerged as the more consistent performer of the two.
“I think Fernandes seems like he's coming on to a bit of a game as well, but I think out of the two of them, Makhanya is the steadier influence, the more solid player,” Foster added.
‘Give him a season’
The former Rangers duo believe Makhanya's development should be allowed to continue without the pressure of immediately attaching a huge price tag to his performances.
Foster suggested that maintaining his current level across an entire season would provide a much clearer indication of his long-term potential.
“Give him a season, let him kind of be this consistently good for the entire season, then it's a different question,” he said.
That sentiment was echoed by Kyle, who suggested Rangers would be better served by allowing Makhanya to mature at Ibrox rather than rushing into discussions over a potential sale.
“Let him mature and then see how it happens,” Kyle said.
The comments come amid increasing attention on Makhanya following his impressive introduction to Scottish football.
Rangers' improved defensive performances have only added to the spotlight, with the young defender becoming an important part of McInnes' side.
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