Sheffield Wednesday finished fifteenth in the Championship this season in what was their sixth consecutive season in England’s second tier of football.

With a goal count of 59 goals this campaign, one of the highest in the lower ends of the table, and the return of attacking threats Fernando Forestieri and Barry Bannan, eyes are drawn to their defence as the culprits for their mid-table finish.

Jos Luhukay’s side conceded 60 goals in their 46 games this season, and reinforcements will need to be brought in to the back line if they are to contend for promotion next season.

Charlton defender Patrick Bauer, who has impressed under Lee Bowyer this season, could solve their defensive woes, and would undoubtedly come cheap.

The 25-year-old centre back signed for the Addicks back in the summer of 2015, but his contract is due to expire next summer.

Bauer has become known as a no nonsense defender, who has contributed with countless vital last ditch blocks, and standing at 6’3 is a real force in the air at the back and in front of goal, scoring eight times since joining the club.

The young defender isn’t short of experience on the international stage, having played across three age levels for his native Germany, but hasn’t received a senior call up to date.

Charlton Athletic missed out on a chance of promotion to the Championship this season after their agonising 2-0 aggregate defeat to Shrewsbury Town in their play-off semi-final, but this potential transfer could be Bauer’s way to the league above this summer.

The move would be a good one for the centre half, as it would give him the chance to demonstrate his capabilities at a higher level, while Jos Luhukay’s side would be inheriting a strong starting centre back for next season.