Callum Lang transfer latest: Portsmouth close in, Maloney comments, Rotherham and Derby set to miss out | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic forward Callum Lang has made 23 appearances for the Latics during the current League One campaign but has produced a somewhat underwhelming return of just two goals and two assists.

The 25-year-old was one of the third tier's most impressive attackers during the 2021/22 season, scoring 15 goals and creating seven assists as the Latics, then managed by Leam Richardson, lifted the League One title.

However, the 'Tics struggled in the subsequent Championship season amid financial issues, and made an immediate return to League One, with Lang scoring just one goal during the 2022/23 second-tier season.

Despite enduring a disappointing spell in front of goal, the figures produced by Lang during the 2021/22 season show that the Scouser could be a good signing for any potential suitors.

Portsmouth closing in on Lang

Pompey have been interested in Lang throughout the current transfer window, and according to Wigan Today, the League One leaders have agreed terms with Latics for the 25-year-old.

Following the Latics' defeat to play-off hopefuls Stevenage on Saturday afternoon, Shaun Maloney told Wigan Today: "He (Lang) trained yesterday, and then things progressed from there, I was told late last night it was close.

"I don't know whether it will be as soon as tonight or Sunday, but I expect that probably will happen."

Maloney also told BBC Radio Manchester: "He (Lang) made a decision, he wanted to move to a different club, and it looks like that's happening.

"I've got nothing negative to say about Callum.

"I've said this before he's played for this club when he wasn't getting paid, so I would have loved to have him to stay, but it looks like he's leaving."

The race for Lang seems to have come to a conclusion then, and a move to Pompey could be the right one for the forward who has lost his place in Maloney's starting 11.

But despite not starting for the Latics since Boxing Day, the 25-year-old could still be a vital asset for league leaders, Pompey, who need more strength in depth as they look to seal the League One title.

Rotherham United and Derby County set to miss out

The above news could be a blow to Rotherham's survival hopes.

According to the Rotherham Advertiser, the South Yorkshire outfit were also keen on Lang, who is a player that Millers boss Leam Richardson got the best out of during their tenure together at Latics.

Under Richardson, Lang played an integral role in the Tics' 2021/22 League One title triumph, meanwhile the 25-year-old's solitary Championship goal last season also came under Richardson.

If Lang joined the Millers and reunited with his former boss, then perhaps his ability would help their survival hopes, so the fact the Millers have missed out on their transfer target is yet another dent to the club's ambitions of maintaining their Championship status.

The Millers face a nightmare run of fixtures in February, with away trips to high-flying Leeds United and Ipswich Town, while their next match sees Richardson's men welcome third-placed Southampton to the New York Stadium.

Having a player with the sort of eye-for-goal Lang demonstrated under Richardson at Latics could help the Millers through this tough run of games, but it appears they have missed out on their man.

linked with him previously this month.