A professional footballer has been arrested on suspicion of blackmailing his club's manager.

The 34-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was spoken to by detectives and bailed amid claims of an astonishing plot.

The player in question has since been released by his club as the police investigation continues.

A professional footballer has been arrested on suspicion of blackmailing his club's manager. The player in question was not necessarily employed by a Premier League club

He is alleged to have assisted in the attempted extraction of thousands of pounds from his manager in relation to a betting account.

Threats are alleged to have been made to the manager about his wife and children.

It is even claimed the player, who denies the allegations, shared information with those pursuing the money about the manager's whereabouts on nights before away matches.

At least two police forces are known to be investigating.

A spokesperson for the force leading the probe said: 'Detectives investigating an allegation of blackmail arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of blackmail. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.'