A top footballer is under investigation over claims he sent inappropriate posts to a 15-year-old schoolgirl.
AFC Bournemouth defender Alex Jiménez, 21, allegedly sent a string of messages to the pupil.
There is no suggestion the footballer ever met the girl.
But the club confirmed it has launched a probe into Jiménez – who signed a five-and-half-year deal with The Cherries in February – and has dropped him from their crunch Premier League tie with Fulham on Saturday.
The statement said: ‘AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Alex Jimenez.
‘The club understands the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.
Alex Jimenez is the subject of an investigation from Premier League club Bournemouth
The 21-year-old joined the Premier League club from AC Milan in a one-year loan deal last summer
‘As a result, Alex will not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Fulham and the club will be making no further comment at this time.’
The Spain Under-21 international started his career at Real Madrid Castilla, the Spanish giants reserve team, before moving to Milan.
He joined the Premier League club on an initial one-year loan deal with an obligation to buy at the end of the season. He scored his first Bournemouth goal at home against Liverpool in a 3-2 victory.
Jimenez has been one of the league’s breakout stars this campaign and is a consistent starter for Andoni Iraola’s side, with 32 appearances.
The Spaniard joined Madrid in 2012 before moving to Milan on loan, which became a permanent move after a successful spell in Italy.
He is due to join Bournemouth permanently this summer owing to an obligation to buy clause in the loan agreement with Milan.
