Championship clubs in for Pugh

AFC Bournemouth may be consolidated in the ignominy of mid-table League One in twelfth, but that hasn’t prevented interest coming in for their midfielder Marc Pugh.

The highly-rated winger has been one of Bournemouth’s shining talents in an otherwise quiet season and a whole host of higher league clubs are understood to be ready to pluck this particular cherry from the South Coast tree.

Sky Sports have reported that Cardiff and Derby are two of the clubs interested in the 25 year old who is more versatile than a foam sponge; he can play central attacking midfield, winger and striker.

Pugh has chipped in with 11 goals this year from his main berth out on the wing and after Fulham and Championship leaders Southampton were said to be interested back in November, the scouts have been out in force with their binoculars and notepads and are now ready to form an orderly queue for his signature, should he reject a new contract offer from the Dean Court club.

Bournemouth offered Pugh a new deal back in December and manager Lee Bradbury made it clear at the time how he wants to keep hold of one of his most prized assets, but with him now on the high road and Bournemouth now managerless, it is unclear where Pugh’s future stands.

Even though he spoke of his flattery of a new offer at the time, Pugh has yet to sign it, the contract paper remains on the table and vultures are beginning to circle.

Formerly of Bury and Shrewsbury, Pugh has been with the Cherries since 2010 and has settled down after a vagabond-like career that has involved 4 loan spells in as many years, scoring 19 goals and becoming one of Bournemouth’s most consistent performers.

As always in football, good performances will attract the bigger boys and Pugh’s talent seems to be gathering a lot of interest. They will have to wait until the summer and so will Bournemouth as Pugh keeps them on tenterhooks with his future plans.

@AdamGray1250