BOSS Paul Groves has revealed that Cherries could be set to sell star player Marc Pugh after failing to agree terms over a new contract.

The manager admitted Cherries would listen to offers after confirming that Pugh had opted not to sign a fresh deal this summer.

Pugh’s decision comes as a major blow after Cherries had spent the past five months trying to secure the talented playmaker on a long-term contract.

Pugh, who topped the Cherries scoring, assists and appearances charts last season, was offered a three-and-a-half year deal in January.

But with the news that talks have not reached a positive conclusion, Cherries are now poised to consider cashing in on their prized asset.

The winger has just 12 months remaining on his existing contract and could leave for free next year.

Pugh, 25, has previously been linked with Championship clubs including Burnley and Derby County and a number of rival teams are likely to be alerted by his decision not to put pen to paper.

In an interview with the club’s official website, Groves said: “We are in a situation now where Marc could leave in a year’s time for absolutely nothing, so it would make sense for us to listen to offers.

“That said, any bid would have to be of significant value to the club for us to even entertain the idea of letting him go.

“We haven’t received any formal offers yet for Marc but we are sure there are a number of clubs who have him on their radar.”

Pugh has proved a big hit at Dean Court since joining Cherries in a £100,000 move from Hereford in 2010 and he was voted as the Daily Echo/Micky Cave supporters’ player of the season last term.

Groves said: “I had a long conversation with Marc who was honest and up front about his decision.

“He told us he wants to keep his options open at this stage in his career and he is perfectly entitled to do that.

“Marc is the type of character who you can really rely on. He has promised us that he will be giving 100 per cent in pre-season.”

Groves added: “If he is still with us on the first day of the season, then I wouldn’t have any hesitations about putting him in the squad.

“We’ve been really impressed with Marc since we came in last season.

“I know that he has had to deal with a lot of speculation over the past 12 months, but it hasn’t affected his game and that is what makes him a valuable player.”

The club last night informed the Echo that Pugh had politely declined to comment on the subject.