Bristol City, Cardiff and Swansea City transfer target receives international call-up

Reported Bristol City transfer target Macaulay Langstaff has been included in England's C 25-man squad ahead of their game with Wales at the end of the month.

England C is a semi-professional Three Lions side, that in recent years has played one-off matches with the old-enemy Wales, in a match that attracts scouts from the Football League. In recent years, the likes of Fejiri Okenabirhie, Armani Little and Will Evans have earned moves to the full-time game.

Langstaff, who is the National League's top scorer with 33 goals in 35 matches, has been included in Paul Fairclough's 25-man squad, which will be whittled down to 16, following the conclusion of this weekend's fixtures. The 26-year-old has been prolific for the Magpies this season, and that has reportedly attracted the attention of City, as well as Cardiff City and Swansea City. Football Insider said in November that the three clubs have been making regular checks on him.

It remains to be seen whether City would entertain making a move for Langstaff, who despite his obvious goal scoring prowess, could find the jump from the fifth tier to the second tier, a gulf in standard. City signed Harry Cornick from Luton Town on deadline day in January, and have a plethora of attacking options available at their disposal.

The ‘C’ international fixture could also act as an opportunity for City fans to watch one of their former players. Vincent Harper, who came through the academy at Bristol City is also in contention, as he continues to bounce back from being released by the club in the summer of 2021. He joined nearby Chippenham Town, but after just a few months at the club, Eastleigh signed him.

Harper had stiff competition with Cam Pring, George Nurse and Jay Dasilva all available to play at left-back, and it was decided by then academy manager Brian Tinnion that the best option would be for the club to allow him to leave to aid his development. Harper has played 28 times for the Spitfires this season and has scored four goals for the Hampshire-based club, who are on course for a play-off spot.

England’s 25-man preliminary squad to face Wales

Goalkeepers

Sam Howes - Wealdstone, Magnus Norman - Oldham Athletic, Harrison Male - Worthing

Defenders

Tyler Cordner - Aldershot Town, Vince Harper - Eastleigh, Harry Phipps - Dagenham & Redbridge, Kenton Richardson - Gateshead, Dan Gallagher - Dorking Wanderers, Jesse Debrah - FC Halifax Town

Midfielders

Josh Lundstram - Altrincham, Darren Oldaker - Chesterfield, James Daly - Woking, Ryan De Havilland - Barnet, Regan Booty - Maidstone United, Matty Worthington - Yeovil Town, James Vennings - Bromley, Gus Scott-Morriss - Southend United, Olly Dyson - York City

Forwards

Dennon Lewis - Boreham Wood, Cameron Wilson - Scunhtorpe United, Sam Dalby - Wrexham, Emile Acquah - Maidenhead United, Joe Sbarra - Solihull Moors, Macaulay Langstaff - Notts County, Aaron Jarvis - Torquay United