With five games to play in their season, AFC Bournemouth are close to securing promotion back to the Premier League after two seasons in the Championship.

The Cherries were unable to make it back to the top flight at the first time of asking last season, with Jason Tindall being sacked midway through the season after replacing Eddie Howe and Jonathan Woodgate was unable to navigate the club through the play-offs.

However under Scott Parker this season, Bournemouth have been a lot better, although they've been unable to keep tabs on Fulham who have ended up running away with things.

Whilst promotion isn't secured just yet, the four point gap to third-placed Huddersfield and two games in-hand means it would take a monumental collapse for Parker's side to not go up, and when their promotion is secured then they will need to start thinking about squad decisions for next season.

Let's look at EIGHT Cherries players who could end up departing the Vitality Stadium this summer.

Cahill spent the first half of the season as a first-team regular following his summer arrival, however since February he's been a bench player with Nat Phillips and Lloyd Kelly being the first-choice pairing.

The former England international's future depends on two things - whether or not Bournemouth offer him a one-year extension to provide some experience in the dressing room, and if so whether or not he wants to stay in that capacity or find a club he can actually play football at.

Bournemouth though may choose not to extend his contract though, which wouldn't be a surprise.

Parker added to his squad back in October with the signing of Ireland international Brady, however he's barely had a kick for the Cherries.

His cameo earlier in the month against Sheffield United was his first league appearance since December due to injuries, but he likely would not have broke into the first-team even if he was fit.

Brady looks sure to be a free agent once again this summer where he will be looking for a club to finally get some game-time at.

A Bournemouth stalwart having been at the club since 2014, Stanislas' time at the Cherries could be coming to an end.

He's still under contract until the summer of 2023, but the winger has been a bit-part player this season and has had to watch the likes of Jamal Lowe and Jaidon Anthony take his place.

It could be difficult to get him off the books in the summer but if Stanislas wants first-team football then he will need to leave.

There was a lot of excitement over Kilkenny earlier in the season after the young Irishman was finally given a chance in the Cherries first-team.

By the time January came around though, the 22-year-old was benched for more senior options and he hasn't made a matchday squad since the transfer window.

Blackpool were linked with a move in January which would have seen Josh Bowler move in the opposite direction, but a loan move next season will be important for Kilkenny's development as he won't get a chance if promotion to the top flight is secured.

Bournemouth secured a bargain in January 2021 when they were able to secure Pearson's signature from Preston North End, but he's probably not featured this season as often as he'd like.

The ex-Manchester United man appears to be fourth choice in central midfield behind Jefferson Lerma, Philip Billing and Lewis Cook - perhaps even fifth in command when Todd Cantwell plays in the number 10 role - and he's appeared in just four of the Cherries' last nine league games.

If Premier League football is secured then Pearson will likely be a casualty as Bournemouth look to strengthen.

Despite being linked with the Spanish giants that are Barcelona, it was the south coast of England where James Hill ended up in January after signing from Fleetwood Town.

He made his league debut against Barnsley in a cameo appearance back in January but has found it difficult to get on the bench in recent months.

Hill will more-than likely get a Championship or top League One loan move next season to aid his development and he could be a starter at the Vitality Stadium in a couple of seasons' time.

Ibsen Rossi started a few matches earlier in the season when Bournemouth were plagued by injuries, however once those stricken had recovered it was back to the under-23's for the centre-back.

The 21-year-old was able to secure himself a loan move to Scottish Premiership side Dundee in January though, but he's only featured in three out of a possible nine matches.

A similar loan move will probably await next season - unless he's released from his contract.

It would be a huge shock if Bournemouth were to be promoted and then cash in on Kelly.

However with Newcastle United said to be interested in the 23-year-old, with a report from March stating that the moneybags Magpies are preparing a summer bid, a move to St. James' Park could be too good to turn down for the defender.

You can never say never in football, so Kelly could realistically be a departure this summer if Newcastle are serious.