Callum Lang update after Preston North End bid for Portsmouth star

Callum Lang was a standout performer for Portsmouth last season, and he is now attracting transfer interest.

Portsmouth enjoyed a successful season as they secured Championship survival, and the attacking midfielder was one of their best players.

Lang has been the subject of interest from fellow second division side Preston North End in recent days, and they even made an offer for him.

Portsmouth rejected a £2million offer, and a fresh update has now emerged.

Portsmouth star Callum Lang
Lang could be an asset for Pompey if he returns to fitness [Credit: Imago]

Preston interest in Lang looks set to collapse

Lang is a key player at Fratton Park, and losing him would have been a huge blow ahead of next season, but it now appears the interest from Preston is going nowhere.

John Mousinho may have feared Preston returning with an improved offer, but as it stands, the deal is not going to happen.

AppearancesMinutes PlayedGoalsAssists
332469102
Lang was outstanding last season

Journalist Alan Myers has now reported via X (21 July) that Preston’s interest in Lang is “not progressing” following their failed bid, and this is a huge indication that they will not follow up with another move for the 26-year-old.

Lang scored 10 goals in the Championship last season and is a popular player among the Pompey faithful, who will hope to continue watching him going forward.

Portsmouth cannot sell key players to Championship rivals

Keeping Lang this summer is both a boost on the pitch for Portsmouth as well as a statement that they will compete for survival again.

Preston finished four points below Portsmouth last season, but stealing Lang could have helped them leapfrog Mousinho’s side, and could have been a devastating blow in the relegation battle.

Portsmouth will not want to sell key players to their Championship rivals, and those expected to be around them in the table, and a sale to Preston must be ruled out this summer.

Mousinho himself reportedly attracted interest from Championship sides this summer, and letting crucial figures leave for rivals would have sent the wrong message.

Keeping Lang beyond the end of the transfer window will show that Portsmouth have the ambition to remain in the Championship rather than dropping back down to League One.

Sign up for the Pompey News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Portsmouth news sent straight to your phone.