Charlton defender Patrick Bauer, a long-term Rovers target, is a man in demand and ready to decide on his future.

Bauer scored the winner in the League One play-off final win over Sunderland as the Addicks secured their Championship return.

However, the 26-year-old is out of contract at The Valley and reports in the national press suggest that five other Championship clubs are monitoring his availability.

One of those is understandably Rovers, with six clubs, all who finished between 13th and 20th in the Championship this season, all linked to the German defender.

Charlton will make one final attempt to extend Bauer’s stay at the club in to a fifth year, and have become increasingly confident the German will sign a new deal having been resigned to his departure had they not won promotin..

Preston, Hull, Rovers, Wigan, QPR and Millwall are all linked with Bauer, as are Hibs and Rangers, have all been credited with interest in the defender who played 40 times last season for Lee Bowyer’s side.

On the chase for Bauer, Steve Waggott said: “It’s the nature of the game.

“Patrick Bauer is out of contract and then he scores the winner in the last minute of the play-off final and he’s written in to Charlton folklore.

“That changes the dynamics on that straight away, the fans will be desperate for him to stay.

“There will be pressure down at Charlton, they are coming up from the Championship.

“Agents have a job to do though and they will talk to you and to other clubs as well.”