Mark Ellis discusses a new Torquay United contract

Torquay boss Martin Ling is hopeful that centre-back Mark Ellis will sign a new deal within the next week.

Ellis, 23, is out of contract in the summer and has said he is keen to discuss a new deal at Plainmoor.

"We've put a proposal together for his agent to have a look over," Ling said.

"I think Mark's very comfortable with the situation, I'm very comfortable with Mark and he's a big part of where we want to go and I'm hoping it'll be done within the next week or so."

Ling told BBC Radio Devon: "I don't get a feel that Mark wants to leave this football club.

"It's just a case of us getting to the nitty gritty which has only started now.

"What tends to happen in these situations is they come back with a proposal and we meet somewhere in the middle."

Kingsbridge-born Ellis started his career as a trainee at Bolton Wanderers before moving to Torquay, initially on loan, in September 2007.

He made the move permanent signed a new deal in 2010.

He has played 20 times for the League Two side this season and has been an ever-present in the team which has won 11 of its last 14 league games.

He has also scored three times in the Gulls last four matches, heading 2-1 win at Morecambe.