Journalist claims Preston want promotion-winning free agent

Some agents may have cottoned on to the idea of Preston needing a centre back.

Just today, we covered claims that Preston want Cork City defender Sean McLoughlin. Last week, Lancs Live claimed Peterborough United’s Ryan Tafazolli is a target for North End too.

Now, add another centre back into this mix. This time, it’s Charlton Athletic ace Patrick Bauer, with Pete O’Rourke taking to Twitter to report that North End want the German.

In true summer rumour fashion though, North End aren’t the only ones. Apparently, Blackburn Rovers, Hull City, Queens Park Rangers, Reading and Wigan Athletic also want Bauer.

That smacks of an agent getting his client’s name out there, striking whilst the iron is hot. After all, Bauer played a key role in Charlton’s promotion, scoring the last-gasp winner in the Championship playoff final against Sunderland.

North End’s name has been thrown in there, with Bauer representing another bargain. McLoughlin won’t cost more than £250,000, Tafazolli is a free agent and Bauer’s Charlton deal expires next month.

If McLoughlin didn’t excite you, then Bauer maybe should. This is the kind of signing Alex Neil wants, in relation to more Championship experience.

Bauer has Championship playing time under his belt already, he’s a good age at 26, and he’s available for free. Add in that he possesses the height and aerial ability North End often lack at the back, and he ticks many boxes.

With Charlton going up though, the Addicks will fight hard to keep Bauer at The Valley. It remains to be seen whether North End firm up their interest, but he certainly seems like the type of signing Preston should be looking at.