Rovers remain keen on long-term target Patrick Bauer whose future remains far from clear.

Charlton have offered the central defender a new deal after his goal sealed a return to the Championship with victory in the League One play-off final against Sunderland – but that remains unsigned.

Bauer was set to leave The Valley had they remained in League One with his contract set to expire at the end of this month. But promotion gave the Addicks hope of convincing him to remain at the club he joined in 2015.

Rovers are keen to add to their defensive ranks and see the 26-year-old as a dependable option given his consistency in League One in recent years. However, they saw bids knocked back for the German, who signed from Maritimo in 2015, last summer and were set to bide their time until his contract drew to a close.

Interest in Bauer hotted up after his play-off final exploits, with Charlton’s hopes of keeping the German not helped by the ongoing uncertainty around boss Lee Bowyer.

South London Press report that the chances of Bowyer, who has been linked with a number of Championship jobs, leaving the club this month have increased.

It is reported that if the Addicks can’t reach an agreement by the end of this week then Bowyer would be able to leave for nothing.

Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet has expressed his desire for Bowyer to stay – but talks remain ongoing. The outcome of those discussions could impact on Bauer’s next move, with several Championship clubs having been linked, though Rovers will hope their longstanding interest could see them win the race.

Rovers could well bring in two central defenders this summer, with the departure of Paul Downing, released at the end of his contract.

Jack Rodwell, who filled in at times last season, is yet to sign on for another season, despite offer of a new deal after his 22 appearances in 2018/19.

Darragh Lenihan remains first choice in that position, with captain Charlie Mulgrew and Derrick Williams other options in that area, with a clutch of young central defenders waiting in the wings.

Rovers shipped 69 goals in their 46 Championship games and addressing that is a key focus for Tony Mowbray in the transfer market.