IN-FORM Marc Pugh insisted he remained fully focused on his key role with Cherries after admitting being linked to West Ham United was a “nice compliment”.

Pugh was this week reported to be a potential transfer target for the Premier League outfit, with the Daily Mail suggesting Hammers coach Kevin Keen watched the Lancastrian score in Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Exeter City.

But the summer signing from Hereford United has revealed he is enjoying his time on the south coast.

When asked about the speculation, he told the Echo: “The lads have been having a bit of banter with it!

“Papers are papers and they are going to talk. We’re doing really well as a team and a lot of the lads are going to be targeted by bigger clubs.

“I’ve got a job to do at Bournemouth, I’ve got a three-year contract and I’m loving every minute here.”

The attacking midfielder, who is likely to start in this afternoon’s derby clash at Southampton (3pm), added: “We’ve been playing really well and I don’t see why we can’t go there and pick up all three points.”