Debenhams could face administration as early as next week, according to reports from Sky News.

The retailer, which has 22,000 people employed and has a store based in intu Watford, is putting administrators on standby according to the report.

Accountancy firm KPMG is said to be one of the administrators on standby.

It is said this would be designed to shield the company from legal claims from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak.

Debenhams opened a flagship store towards the end of 2018 as part of the £180million intu Watford extension.

But recently Debenhams closed 142 of its stores and placed the majority of its workers on furlough as the country went on lockdown.

A spokesperson at Debenhams said they are making "contiguency plans".

They said: "Like all retailers, Debenhams is making contingency plans reflecting the extraordinary current circumstances.

"Our owners and lenders remain highly supportive and whatever actions we may take will be with a view to protecting the business during the current situation.

"While our stores remain closed in line with government guidance, and the majority of our store-facing colleagues have been furloughed, our website continues to trade and we are accepting customer orders, gift cards and returns."

intu have been approached for further comment.