Sunderland winger Adam Johnson will deny that he had sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, according to BBC News.
The former England international was arrested in March and subsequently charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as a further grooming charge.
On Monday, the court was told that the three counts of sexual activity with a child are alleged to have taken place on one night in January at two locations in County Durham.
Meanwhile, the grooming offence is said to have occurred between December and February.
Speaking at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, Johnson’s solicitor Paul Morris, indicated that the footballer would plead not guilty when he next appeared in court.
That next appearance will be next month, after Johnson was released on conditional bail to appear before Durham Crown Court on June 3.
As a result of the bail, Johnson is available to play in Sunderland’s final two matches this season – against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Johnson attended court with long-term girlfriend Stacey Flounders.
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