Rovers are understood to be eyeing a move for Charlton defender Patrick Bauer. 

The German defender, who has a year left to run on his contract at The Valley, is on manager Tony Mowbray’s wishlist this summer as he looks to make his first addition following promotion.

Mowbray is understood to have been impressed by the Addicks last season, with Bauer playing a key role in helping them reach the League One play-offs where they were beaten by Shrewsbury Town.

The 25-year-old played 37 times last year, scoring three goals, and has clocked up just short of 100 appearances for Charlton since his move from Maritimo in 2015.

He caught the eye last season which has prompted Rovers’ interest which they will look to step up this week. Bauer also comes with Championship experience, with his debut season at Charlton coming in 2015/16 when they were relegated to League One.

Bauer missed Rovers' win over Charlton at Ewood Park in December but was part of the Addicks side who won the reverse fixture at The Valley 1-0 in April.

He fits the profile of signing that Rovers are looking to make, with a fee in the region of £500,000 reported to be needed to secure a deal. Rovers could also look to exploit their knowledge of the League One market in a bid to strengthen their squad. 

Elliott Ward’s summer departure means Rovers have three senior central defenders on their books in Darragh Lenihan, Charlie Mulgrew and January signing Paul Downing.

Mowbray had looked to add a central defender to his ranks last summer, with a move for Ben Heneghan not materialising as he joined Sheffield United.