Rovers widen their search in pursuit of new defender

Tony Mowbray admitted he is looking to add another central defender to his squad after allowing Scott Wharton to join League Two side Lincoln City on a season long loan.

The attacking positions remain the priority for Mowbray, with Rovers still looking to add another two players in the forward areas as they look to tie up a loan move for Chelsea youngster Kasey Palmer.

Rovers have so far brought two midfield options in Joe Rothwell and Jacob Davenport, with a new defender also on the manager’s wishlist.

Bolton Wanderers defender Mark Beevers, who has also interested Steven Gerrard’s Rangers, is thought to be one player that Rovers have enquired about, but no bid has been made. 

The 28-year-old is experienced at Championship level, following spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and Bolton.

He is in to the last 12 months of his deal at the Macron Stadium, and is likely to provide a cheaper alternative to 25-year-old Bauer.

The German, also in to the last year of his current contract, has had a £2m valuation on his head, with Rovers some way apart in what they would want to pay for his services.

The preference would be to add a permanent option in defence, with loan deals more likely to be reserved for the forward areas.

Charlie Mulgrew and Darragh Lenihan are expected to start the season as the first choice centre-half pairing, with Paul Downing and Derrick Williams also able to play in the heart of the defence.

Mowbray will likely want to add to his numbers in that area should injuries and suspensions hit, while it would open up the option of playing with back three, something Rovers used successfully in the final five matches of their 2016/17 Championship campaign.

They are also an option down following the release of Elliott Ward who has been on trial with Charlton who are weighing up whether to offer the 33-year-old a deal. 

Rovers have until August 9 to make permanent signings, with the loan window not closing until August 31.