Portsmouth transfer news: Major development in Preston North End's pursuit of Callum Lang
Preston North End have until 7pm to complete their move for Portsmouth forward Callum Lang
Callum Lang has requested to leave Pompey in order to facilitate his move to Preston North End.
The News understands the Liverpudlian has made it clear to the club that he wants to end his two-year stint at Fratton Park. The forward made the decision to inform the club of his wishes in a bid to break the deadlock that is currently holding up his proposed move back to the north west.
Pompey are understood to be remaining strong in their valuation of the 27-year-old, who has scored 16 goals and registered four assists in the 53 games he’s played since moving to PO4 from Wigan in January 2024.
Keen to get as much for their asset as possible amid their battle to retain their Championship status for another season, the Blues are refusing to budge amid efforts from North End to get the deal completed ahead of tonight’s 7pm deadline.
A fee of £1.75m plus add-ons was initially reported. But it’s our understanding now that Pompey are wanting more for the forward, whose contract expires at the end of the season and whom they have an additional 12-month option on.
As the transfer saga rumbles on into the dying hours of the transfer window, Lang has attempted to speed up matters by telling Pompey of his desire to leave.
He’s also travelled to the north west, although not to Preston, to be on hand to react to any developments in the ongoing negotiations.
North End attacking midfielder Mads Frokjaer’s proposed move to Danish side Brondby depends on PNE being able to conclude a deal for Lang, who has missed the Blues’ past seven games with a hamstring injury.
The money received for the 26-year-old will also free up funds for the Lilywhites to afford Lang.
If the Fratton favourite gets his wish to complete his move to Deepdale, he could potentially come up against John Mousinho’s side straight away, with Pompey’s next Championship game against North End on Saturday.
The Blues are currently closing in on a loan move for Santos winger Gustavo Caballero, while The News understands reports of an approach for Luton forward Jacob Brown are true.
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