Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has reportedly been accused by a female fitness instructor of trying to frame her for blackmail following the pair's alleged sexual liaison.
A fortnight ago, a High Court judge ruled that a Premier League footballer should be named in relation to a blackmail case involving a woman in her 30s.
Now, the Daily Mail has reported that the player in question, who has a long-term partner and a young child, is Rojo, who is alleged to have met Sarah Watson after her and some friends were invited to join the United players during last year's Christmas party in Manchester.
The publication states that Ms Watson met Rojo later that night at a private party where his friend, known as Mr X in court, asked how much money it would cost for her to sleep with the Argentine defender.
Ms Watson declined the offer, but later performed a sex act on the 25-year-old because she "liked him", not for money or because she had "any intention to sell the story on".
The publication reveals that 'Mr X' arranged a meeting with Ms Watson shortly after it was discovered that a national newspaper had offered her money to tell her story, and Rojo's camp reportedly offered her £100,000 to keep quiet.
The High Court heard that the defender's agent and a representative of United was present when 'Mr X' tried to then trap Ms Watson with a taped phone conversation and later accused her of making blackmail demands.
The judge called for Rojo to be named in order to prevent speculation surrounding innocent top-flight stars.
Danielle Joynson
