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Report: Blackburn keen on Charlton’s Patrick Bauer with Paul Downing set to leave Ewood Park

Patrick Bauer of Charlton Athletic wears a black armband in tribute to PC Keith Palmer during the Sky Bet League One match between Charlton Athleti...
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Blackburn Rovers are reportedly keen on Charlton Athletic’s Patrick Bauer.

Patrick Bauer of Charlton Athletic wears a black armband in tribute to PC Keith Palmer during the Sky Bet League One match between Charlton Athletic and Milton Keynes Dons at The Valley on...

According to a report in the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers have renewed their interest in Charlton Athletic’s Patrick Bauer as manager Tony Mowbray looks to bolster his side’s defence this summer.

The report adds that Blackburn have identified the defence as an area to strengthen this summer, with Jack Rodwell’s future still unclear while 2018 signing Paul Downing is set to leave Ewood Park.

Rovers have struggled for options at the back in recent weeks, with Darragh Lehinan and Charlie Mulgrew spending time out with injuries. It has left them short and their goal-difference has taken a hit.

Bauer was named as a Rovers target last summer but, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the German could move to Ewood Park on a free transfer with the player keen to play at a higher level.

Charlton will be hoping they can retain their top centre-back, but only promotion to the Championship will likely do the trick with the Addicks currently positioned fifth in the table and set for the League One play-offs.

Bauer, 26, stands at 6ft 3 and would offer Rovers plenty of height at the back. He joined Charlton on a four-year deal from Martimo back in 2015 and has featured in 29 games in all competitions this term.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway of Shrewsbury Town and Patrick Bauer of Charlton Athletic during the Sky Bet League One match between Shrewsbury Town and Charlton Athletic at New Meadow on January 12,...

Downing, meanwhile, signed for Rovers from MK Dons on a permanent deal in early 2018 but he has failed to get much of a look-in this season, joining Doncaster Rovers on loan during the January transfer window.

With his contract set to expire, Blackburn are reportedly content to let him leave at the end of the season, despite the 27-year-old former West Bromwich Albion academy graduate seemingly having his best years ahead of him.

Blackburn Rovers' Paul Downing during the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham City and Preston North End at Ewood Park on December 1, 2018 in Blackburn, England.