Bristol Rovers signing of Coventry’s Tom Davies has reportedly furthered speculation that Charlton target Tom Lockyer is leaving the Gas.

Davies, a centre back, is seen by many as a replacement for Lockyer who has turned down a contract extension with Rovers.

Lockyer, 24, has attracted interest from the Addicks as Lee Bowyer looks to build a squad capable of competing in the Championship.

Last year the five-cap Welsh international man impressed in a Rovers side that finished mid-table and it’s thought that he wishes to seek pastures new after seven years at the Memorial Stadium.

The importance of recruiting a defender could be crucial for Bowyer with the Charlton still waiting to hear back from play-off hero Patrick Bauer who's mulling over signing a new deal at The Valley.

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His departure has been known to the Club for some time, but the arrival of Davies has increased speculation that Lockyer future is soon to be sorted, with the opportunity to play second tier football a huge temptation.

"Personally, I knew before the season started this was probably going to be my last season at Rovers,” he told the Bristol Post.

“From my point of view, I've been at Rovers too long.

"Eight years is a long time. You start to go stale at some point. Two years too long, if I'm being honest with myself.

"I'm ready for a new challenge.

“It's about weighing things up at the minute, it's too easy to rush into things and get sucked in by certain aspects of different clubs.

"Realistically there are four Championship teams who are willing to put something on the table and there's a few other League One teams.”

Nottingham Forest are one team known to be interested in Lockyear.

READ:Championship Gossip: transfer rumours including Brentford, Millwall and Charlton