Wayne Rooney said he had been 'young and immature'

Patricia Tierney, 50, says she has never been a prostitute and only worked in a massage parlour as a part time receptionist for three weeks.

If the case goes to trial the Manchester United star could be called as a witness, her solicitor said. The Sun said it was standing by its story.

The England player admitted he visited prostitutes, but said he regretted it.

'Totally groundless'

Mrs Tierney was named and pictured in a front page story published in August of last year, under the headline "Don't Fancy Yours Much Wayne".

The story was "totally groundless" and the Sun had "destroyed the life of a blameless woman", her solicitor David Kirwan said.

It was at a time when I was very young and immature and before I had settled down with Coleen Wayne Rooney

He added: "Since the allegations, she and her family have suffered endless abuse and name-calling. Her grandchildren have been bullied at school."

Mrs Tierney, the solicitor said, had had to start taking anti-depressants and was "barely able to set foot outside of her own home".

She had altered her appearance to avoid being recognised, he said.

"Legal action has commenced against the newspaper and, if the case goes to trial at Liverpool High Court, Wayne Rooney will potentially be called as a witness," Mr Kirwan said.

After the allegations were published, Wayne Rooney issued a statement which said: "Foolish as it now seems I did on occasions visit massage parlours and prostitutes."