Jason Pearce believes Patrick Bauer will leave Charlton this summer if a club makes the right offer.

The Addicks defender has been linked with a move to Championship new boys Blackburn, who had a bid rejected last month.

Charlton are understood to be holding out for a £2m fee despite Bauer entering the final year of his contract.

And while Bauer’s Valley future remains up in the air, centre-back partner Pearce is desperate for him to stay.

He told News Shopper: “It’s a difficult one. The likes of Josh Magennis and Patrick Bauer have been linked with moves away.

“From a personal note and player’s point of view, I’d love them both to stay because they’re assets who can make a difference to the team. I’ve got a good bond with Pat so I’d love him to stay and hopefully we can carry that on.

“But football’s a funny old game and things change quite quickly. From Patrick’s point of view, a club in a higher league wants him, and he probably wants that challenge of playing higher.

“So it’s a difficult one but I think if both of them stay, they're good people and good players to have and they’ll give their best.

“Pat and I complement each other’s game well. I talk to him a lot and we just seem to have a bond. We enjoy playing together - I’d certainly want to continue that bond.

“But it’s up to the club. If another club comes in and offers the money then I’m sure he’ll go. But hopefully he’ll stay.”

Bauer, 25, has been training with Charlton in pre-season and is expected to feature in their friendly against Welling tomorrow.

The Addicks have already lost defenders Ezri Konsa and Harry Lennon to Brentford and Southend, respectively.

And Bauer’s departure would leave Naby Sarr and Pearce as the club’s only senior centre-backs.

Pearce added: “We all want Pat to stay. He’s a good lad off the pitch and he’s a good player. It’s just part of football that if a big club comes in and offers good money then players go.

“It’s happened to me in my career, not big money, but I’ve moved on to higher leagues and it’s just what happens.

“There are other players that would love to play for this football club - it’s a massive club, especially in League One.

“I get on well with Pat, so I speak to him. I’ve said to him ‘I want you to stay’.

“We don't really talk about it too much to be honest because we’re back in training and working hard, but I’d love him to stay.”

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