PAUL Groves has revealed his desire to persuade star player Marc Pugh to pledge his long-term future to Cherries.

Boss Groves is determined to help Cherries reach an agreement with Pugh as talks continue over a new contract at Dean Court.

Cherries have been attempting to tie the sought-after winger to a lengthy deal for the past five months.

The Daily Echo-Micky Cave supporters’ player of the season, who led the Cherries scoring, assists and appearances charts last term, has had a three-and-a-half year contract on the table since January.

And with Pugh set to make his decision this summer, Groves says he would love to get a positive response from the club’s top performer.

Groves told the Daily Echo: “The club entered negotiations with Marc around about January time and we have picked up those negotiations again.

“Marc is somebody that we like. When you look at Marc and what he produces, he produces assists, goals and performances on a regular basis.

“He is also out on the training ground on a regular basis and that is vitally important for levels of fitness and for also being able to produce a level of consistency with regards to performances throughout the season.

“Marc is somebody that we would definitely be keen to keep hold of.”

Pugh has produced numerous impressive displays since joining Cherries in a £100,000 transfer from Hereford in 2010.

He netted 12 goals and contributed 11 assists in 49 appearances – all of which came in the starting line-up – last season.

The popular Lancastrian has 12 months remaining on his existing contract and has been linked with Championship clubs including Burnley and Derby County.

Should he opt not to accept a new deal with Cherries, Pugh would be entitled to a free transfer at the end of next season.

In an interview with the Daily Echo last month, chairman Eddie Mitchell said there were “various permutations”.

After scooping the prestigious Daily Echo-Micky Cave award, Pugh admitted: “I love the fans to bits and they have been great to me since I have been here.

“This award shows I must mean a lot to them and they mean a lot to me as well. It does make the decision on my future very tough.”