CHERRIES manager Sean O'Driscoll has not given up hope of keeping star midfielder Richard Hughes at Dean Court for another full season.

The 22-year-old Scot, who has made it clear he wants to play at the highest level he can, is still deliberating on new contract terms offered by AFC Bournemouth.

His current contract runs out on June 30 and under Football League rules he has to accept or turn down Division Three Cherries' latest offer by June 18.

But Hughes could move to a foreign club for a minimum 12-month period for free, in which case Cherries would not get any compensation.

Or the player - who will be 23 on June 25 - could move to a club in this country, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland with Cherries entitled to compensation determined by a transfer tribunal.

O'Driscoll said: "We would expect Richard to reject the contract we have offered him as his intention is to play at a higher level of football. That is no problem to the club at this time.

"He had made that clear from day one. He hasn't just thrown that at us now.

"If he wants to stay in this country he would have to stay on a week-to-week basis, month-to-month basis or some sort of similar short-term contract for us to get some compensation if within the United Kingdom, unless he moves abroad for a year and can move for nothing.

"Unless another club come in for him before June 18, which I think is extremely unlikely in the current football climate, I don't think anything will happen before that date."

Hughes, a former Scotland Under-21 international who is highly rated north of the border, only made 18 starts and six substitute appearances for Cherries last season, mainly due to injuries.

O'Driscoll said: "Richard's injuries have hampered him. He hasn't played that much recently. That means his options to move are limited.

"We have no problem with Richard. The relationship is not strained. And we have made it perfectly clear we would love to keep him.

"It is another option he will consider. He could play for us for another year and then have a Bosman and leave.

"He knows the set up here and that if he is fit he can play. He could have a good season and get a better move in 12 months' time."

Hughes, born in Glasgow but brought up in Italy, joined Cherries from Arsenal in 1998 after previously spending six years with Italian club Atalanta.

He has scored 16 goals in 154 appearances for Cherries in all competitions and has been linked with full or loan moves to West Ham, Wigan and Italian Serie B outfit Alzano during his time at Dean Court.