And Gordon, who lives near Stourbridge and also represents top stars like Theo Walcott and David James, says the public are right to regard agents as “the scum of the earth”.

In a string of staggering revelations Gordon tells the Express & Star how:

• He was offered a suitcase full of cash to secure a deal on an international player;

• Tens of millions have changed hands in crooked deals involving agents and clubs;

• Some agents walk away with £2.5 million in a single shady deal.

Gordon, (pictured right with the Express & Star’s Martin Swain) said the country’s national obsession was nothing short of a feeding ground for crooks.

“Are agents corrupt? Not all – but the majority,” he said.

“It’s accepted abroad. We pretend we are holier than thou. But I’ve spoken to people over there and the English game is considered the ‘dirty man of Europe’. We are the worst – and it shouldn’t be accepted.”

A spokesman for the Football Association today said it would investigate the claims if presented with the evidence.

The only place to read the full story is in today’s Express & Star.

Read Martin Swain’s full interview, in which Colin Gordon lifts the lid on the murky world of transfers, as well as the football world’s reaction and analysis. On sale now – for 35p.