The man whose private betting firm was embroiled in a row over Wayne Rooney's gambling debts in the run-up to last year's World Cup - thought to have reached £700,000 - has applied for a licence from the new Gambling Commission.

A deal was brokered between Smith and Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, after his debts escalated and were called in.

Smith applied for a general betting licence on April 27, the deadline for ensuring he can continue to operate when the new Gambling Act comes into force on September 1.