Man charged with blackmailing Rooney agent

LONDON, Sept 4 (AFP) - Police investigating threats against the agent of Everton striker Wayne Rooney have charged a man with blackmail.

The move followed newspaper allegations that millionaire agent Paul Stretford had threats made against him.

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Cheshire police said a 41-year-old man from Liverpool had been charged with blackmail against a businessman and had been bailed to appear before magistrates' court on September 9.

Stretford, 44, is one of the game's most prolific agents with dozens of stars on his books as well as Rooney, who is valued at more than 20 million pounds.

His company, Proactive Sports Group, had always insisted none of the alleged offences had been directed at the teenage Everton striker.

The accused man was named as Liverpool boxing promoter John Hyland. His solicitor, Peter Quinn, said Hyland denied the charge.

"Mr Hyland totally denies the allegation. He will be appearing in court next week and once the matter goes to the crown court he will be contesting all the allegations," Quin said.

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