Preston North End have been rejected as they look to sign Callum Lang, with a seven-figure fee tabled by the Lilywhites.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side are still looking to improve their squad heading into next season, with their pre-season already four games in. Preston have already done plenty of positive business in their attacking areas with both Thierry Small and Daniel Jebbison arriving, both of whom looked promising during their loss to Premier League champions Liverpool earlier this month.
PNE Target Lang
According to reports from Football League World, Preston have tried – and been rebuffed – to sign attacking midfielder Callum Lang from Portsmouth, with a £2 million fee purported. the former Wigan Athletic man has just 12 months left on his existing contract at Pompey, but there is an extension clause within his deal.
Lang had arguably his best season yet in his career, with 10 goals and two assists in 32 Championship appearances, making him the second top scorer at Fratton Park behind Colby Bishop. John Mousinho’s side fared well in their first season back in the Championship, finishing sixteenth and four places ahead of Preston in the final table.
Pompey have already lined up a new number 10 for this season with the free agent signing of John Swift, who was released by West Bromwich Albion in June. They have also been reported to be interested in a return for former loanee Alex Robertson from the relegated Cardiff City.
Preston is likely to do much more business this window, with chief Peter Risdale stating prior to the summer window opening that the Deepdale club are targeting ‘at least eight signings’. So far, they have made six, with the most recent being full-back Odel Offiah signing on a four-year contract from Brighton and Hove Albion following his loan at Lancashire arch-rivals Blackpool.
Writers’ View
With new midfield options being examined by John Mousinho this summer, Callum Lang’s future may be uncertain and Preston North End have tried to pry away the 26-year-old. Their bid has been rejected, likely due to how valuable Lang is considered by Pompey due to his goal contributions and in order for the Lilywhites to make a deal they will have to table more money. Alongside Daniel Jebbison and Thierry Small, PNE could build an exciting attack to replace the outgoing Emil Riis following his move to Bristol City.
