Rovers target Patrick Bauer has signed for Championship rivals Preston North End.

Bauer has penned a three-year deal at Deepdale having announced his intention to leave Charlton after four years at The Valley.

The 26-year-old scored the goal which secured Charlton’s promotion back to the Championship in the play-off final against Sunderland, which proved to be the last of his 135 appearances since signing from Maritimo in 2015.

Rovers have tracked Bauer since last summer when they saw two bids for the German turned down.

They maintained an interest this summer and were keen to add to their defensive options having shipped 69 goals in their 46 Championship matches.

Paul Downing has been released from last season’s squad, while Jack Rodwell’s future remains uncertain.

But they will need to turn their attentions elsewhere after missing out on Bauer's signature.

Speaking after sealing the move, Bauer said: “I am really excited to be here. I am happy to play finally in the Championship again and I am really delighted.

“I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates, all the staff and management and get started.

“I was four years at Charlton, we had some disappointing moments, but also highs, like the promotion this season. I spent a good time there, but it was time for me to start a new chapter in my career and I am really excited to be here now.”

Bauer announced his departure from Charlton on Tuesday night via social media and sealed his move to Deepdale on Wednesday morning.

 

 

Preston finished one place, and one point, above Rovers in the table last season, with boss Alex Neil happy to have Bauer’s experience on board.

He said: “Patrick is a strong and powerful defender who we have monitored closely. He has experience of playing at the top level in Portugal and adapted very well to English football in the past few years and he will add more competition to our defence in the central positions.”