Preston North End are keen on a move for long-term Rovers target Patrick Bauer who is out of contract at the end of the month.

Rovers have tracked Bauer for 12 months, seeing two bids rejected last summer, and still maintain an interest in the German central defender.

Bauer’s stock has risen since goal in the League One play-off final over Sunderland last month, with a clutch of Championship clubs battling for his signature.

Wigan Athletic are also thought to be in the mix for Bauer whose four year stay at The Valley looks to be drawing to an end.

Bauer signed from Maritimo in 2015 and Charlton had hoped that winning promotion back to the Championship could tempt him in to an extended stay.

But Charlton have accepted defeat given the interest in Bauer, with South London Press having reported the Addicks, whose manager Lee Bowyer is also out of contract, will be operating with the lowest budget in the division.

Rovers are looking to add two central defenders to their ranks this summer, having shipped 69 goals in 49 league games last season.

Paul Downing hasn’t been kept on while Jack Rodwell, another defensive option, is yet to agree to an extended Ewood stay.

Rovers were linked with a move for former captain Grant Hanley over the weekend, with the 27-year-old having fallen out of favour at Norwich City.

But Preston, who finished one point and one place above Rovers last season, are thought to be in the hunt for Bauer’s signature as Alex Neil looks to add to his squad.