Over to you, Rangers: Supersport say they are prepared to sell Bongani Khumalo to the SPL champions. Pic: © Reuters
Rangers look likely to open talks over the transfer of South African international Bongani Khumalo. The defender’s club, Supersport United, have said they will not stand in the way of the player moving to Scotland.
Walter Smith confirmed earlier this week that Rangers were considering bids for Khumalo and his Bafana Bafana team-mate Katlego Mphela. The signing of Khumalo has now moved a step closer after Supersport said they were expecting the Ibrox club to follow up initial contact with an offer.
“Rangers have said they would like to sign the player and we are expecting them to follow things up with an offer,” a spokesman for the South African club said.
“We will have to wait and see what the offer is, but we won’t be holding Rangers to ransom.
“We know it would be a great opportunity for Khumalo to join one of the biggest clubs in Europe and it would be unfair for us to stop him moving over money.”
Khumalo, who has 14 international caps, has been a stalwart of the Supersport side that won the Premiership title last season. After an impressive World Cup, the 23-year old is ready to make a move to Europe.
The centre-back is also thought to have been on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur, who were ready to offer him a trial but Rangers could act quickly to make their first player purchase in two years. Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain has previously confirmed that he expected the club to make two or three signings before the new season kicks off.
Khumalo’s international team-mate Mphela had already spoken of his wish to make the move to Glasgow.
“Obviously I'd love to go to a team of Rangers' quality and I'd be crazy to turn down a move,” Mphela said earlier this week. “They are the Manchester United of Scottish football.”
