The Irishman is the equal third top scorer in the A-League this term with 10 goals, including a double in Sunday's 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

The 31-year-old's form has prompted speculation he could move clubs in the off-season.

O'Donovan provided an update on his status, confirming negotiations with the Mariners were ongoing.

“You’re going to have that (speculation), it’s silly season now,” O’Donovan said.

“I’m coming to the end of my contract and I’m scoring goals, so you’re going to have that.

“To be quite honest about it, the Mariners have spoken to me about it, I had a brief conversation with (CEO) Shaun (Mielekamp) and (coach) Paolo (Okon).

“They want me to stay. That conversation hasn’t been pushed any further.

“It’s getting to that stage now.

“It doesn’t affect me at all. I’m here to play football and do a job and that doesn’t change.”

The former Sunderland forward joined the Mariners prior to last season, where he scored eight goals, but missed eight games due to suspension after head-butt incident.

He felt he had almost re-paid the club’s faith in him after the incident, potentially vindicating a move.

“I think I owed the Mariners a lot more last year after the New Year’s Eve debacle,” he said.

“I think I needed to prove something this year to play for the Mariners.

“We’re getting to the point where I feel I’ve contributed, but I’m not where I need to be just yet.”