MIDDLESBROUGH Football Club is warning young players and parents of aspiring footballers about a scam inviting players to join the club on trial in return for a payment.

The scam has been reported to Cleveland Police, and in a statement, Middlesbrough FC said: "We understand we are one of a number of clubs whose name is being used in this manner, and have reported this to both the Police and the FA, who we are currently assisting in their investigations.

"MFC would like to re-iterate that any invitations for players to join on trial would always be made directly from the club and not from any third parties.

"Any communication regarding the arrangement of a trial with MFC in return for payment is fraudulent."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "We are aware of this scam and are working with the club to raise awareness and protect people."

She added that the police echo the club’s advice that people should not be taken in by the fraudulent 'scouts'.