Bournemouth appear to be on the verge of entering administration after the club's directors lodged a notice of intention to appoint an administrator.

The struggling Cherries are currently joint bottom of the League One table and entering administration would lead to an automatic ten-point deduction.

The notice provides a period of protection for the club from its creditors.

"The directors of AFC Bournemouth have lodged a notice of intention to appoint an administrator," read a club statement.

"BDO Stoy Hayward is currently dealing with the directors in an advisory capacity only. At this stage there has been no formal appointment of administrators.

"The chairman, Jeff Mostyn, commented that this action was taken to prevent our current negotiations being frustrated by aggressive and unhelpful creditors.

"However, the chairman stressed that the club is not in administration and it is not a forgone conclusion that it will be."