Exclusive: Portsmouth respond to Preston's Callum Lang offer

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

21 Jan 2026, 7:03 am

Portsmouth have rejected a £1.5million bid from Preston North End for attacker Callum Lang, sources have told Football Insider.

The 27-year-old has been a long-term target for Preston after they failed to sign him during the summer transfer window.

North End have rekindled their interest in Lang, but Portsmouth have rebuffed their £1.5m bid in the January window.

Preston are refusing to give up on adding Lang to their side and are expected to come back with a new offer before the close of the window.

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom looks concerned on the touchline.

(Credit: Imago)

Preston search for extra firepower

Preston are pushing to cement a play-off spot in the Championship, with Paul Heckingbottom's side currently occupying sixth place.

Successive defeats to Derby and Hull in the league have come without Preston finding the back of the net.

Striker Milutin Osmajic will now be suspended for three games after his sending off against Hull, meaning Heckingbottom could do with extra firepower.

Lang's season has been disrupted by injury, and the 27-year-old has only made eight Championship starts for Portsmouth, scoring twice.

Portsmouth's position in the Championship relegation zone, may mean manager John Mousinho is reluctant to let Lang leave.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Preston set for active end to January window

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Preston are among the clubs scouting Barnsley striker Davis Keillor-Dunn.

The 28-year-old, who has scored 11 goals in League One this season, has an uncertain future at Barnsley heading into the final stages of the January window.

Preston could also sign Troyes defender Ismael Boura, after missing out on Findlay Munroe, who joined Championship rivals Middlesborough.

Middlesborough host Preston next in the Championship, with a six-point gap between the teams in the table.

Preston

Portsmouth

Pete O'Rourke