THE former agent of ex-Middlesbrough player Stewart Downing has pleaded not guilty to five counts of fraud.

Ian Elliott was arrested in September 2007 in relation to allegations made by the Middlesbrough-born player of financial irregularities concerning his business interests.

The charges include fraudulently creating a £100,000 a year consultancy contract with the player, falsely representing that Mr Downing had consented to him becoming a director of Stewart Downing Promotions Limited and dishonestly obtaining a £5,594.51 money transfer from Jon Stewart.

Last year, Downing terminated his contract with Mr Elliott, 51, from Tyneside, and approached the club with his concerns.

Since the allegations were made, the England winger has transferred to Aston Villa.

Following the complaint, Cleveland Police carried out an investigation that resulted in Mr Elliott's arrest along with 44-year-old woman. The woman has not been charged in relation to the complaint.

Mr Elliott is due before Teesside Magistrates' Court on March 2 when the case is expected to be committed to crown court.