The Mariners have opened negotiations over a new deal with the Newcastle-born defender with A-League new boys Melbourne Heart also believed to be in the mix.

Boogaard's performances this season have impressed Mariners boss Lawrie McKinna and he is anxious to try and keep the player in Gosford.

"Boogs has done well and I don't think it's just one other club that's interested. There's probably three or four," McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

"He had his injury problems early on but he's been a big part of this squad and we're very keen to keep him.

"Obviously the player is going to decide what's best for him and his career and you respect that. Hopefully he decides he wants to remain part of things here. If he moves on then you wish him all the best. He is a model professional."

Boogaard is expected to be part of a Mariners side looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last week's F3 derby defeat when McKinna's men face Adelaide United in Canberra on Saturday.

"They had a disappointment last week, as did we, so both teams will be looking to bounce back," said McKinna. "They're always tough games against Adelaide and Viddie (Aurelio Vidmar) will have them fired up."

McKinna will look for a sharper start from his men. They paid the price of shipping two early goals against the Jets.

He added: "If you concede like that so early then you're giving yourself a difficult task but our defence has been good this season and hopefully we show that again in Canberra."