An England footballer who was caught having sex with an escort was allegedly the target of a £500,000 blackmail plot. Stock picture

An England footballer who was caught having sex with an escort was allegedly the target of a £500,000 blackmail plot.

The sportsman was said to be having sex with the woman in a hotel room when they were interrupted by two men who burst into the room, The Sun reports.

The pair demanded payment from the ace and threatened to expose the affair to his long-term partner.

But the player - who cannot be named - managed to escape through a bedroom window and later called the police.

A source told The Sun: 'He offered to leave a key card at reception for her to let herself in.

'But she knocked at his door, allowing the player to let her in, before stripping to have sex.

'Moments later, two men collected the card from reception, burst in and angrily confronted the star.'

The footballer was also said to have left his possessions behind as he clambered out of the hotel room window.

It is believed that he left his mobile phone, car keys and other personal items.

The player - who cannot be named - managed to escape through a bedroom window and later called the police. File photo shows Wembley Stadium

The incident took place at the team's hotel as the unnamed sportsman played in an away match.

He was 'casually dating' the woman, it was alleged, but has now admitted what happened to his partner.

The source added that the footballer was 'determined' to stand his ground and pursue the blackmail threats legally.

It was claimed that a woman and man were arrested on suspicion of blackmail, but police have refused to comment.