A host of Sky Bet Championship clubs are interested in signing Charlton Athletic's play-off hero Patrick Bauer, according to reliable journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The 26-year-old has been a standout performer in the Addicks' defence this season, playing an integral role in their promotion from League One.

The German defender, who has played 39 times in all competitions this season, scored the winning goal for Charlton in their play-off final against Sunderland, which sparked pandemonium at Wembley.

But despite his end-of-season heroics, Bauer is currently facing an uncertain future at the Valley, with his current deal with the London club set to run out in the summer.

And, according to O'Rourke, Hull City, Preston North End, Wigan Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Reading and Blackburn Rovers are all tracking the centre-half's signature, ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

The latter were previously linked with a move to sign the towering defender earlier on in the season, as Tony Mowbray looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of next season.

The Verdict

I would be very surprised to see Charlton let go of Bauer in the summer, especially given how crucial he has been for Lee Bowyer's side in teh business end of the season.

But it seems as if the London club could pay the price for not tying the likes of Bauer and Joe Aribo down to a new deal, and he would be brilliant for either reported team.

I think Blackburn could be a perfect destination for him, but any club could do with him.