Milner wants to manage Plant’s blossoming profile

James Milner has been up against many superstar opponents in his garlanded football career, but now in his alter guise as a golf manager he is having to face up to the might of Tiger Woods.

The Daily Telegraph has learnt that Milner has already met the father of Alfie Plant, the 25-year-old who earned such acclaim when finishing as top amateur at the Open at Royal Birkdale on Sunday.

Plant intends to turn pro after playing for Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup in September. Suddenly, he is a player in demand by the agencies, with Excel Sports Management apparently also in for his signature.

The Excel golf division is run by Woods’s long-time agent Mark Steinberg, and clearly to be in the same stable as the 14-time majorwinner, as well as the likes of Justin Rose and Open runner-up Matt Kuchar, would be a strong draw for rookie Plant.

But Milner has been in discussions with Darren Plant, a former cobbler from the East End of London, and is obviously very keen on securing his talented son for his own burgeoning agency.

Milner, the 31-year-old Liverpool player who has 61 caps for England, established White Rose Sports Management last year, with his first two signings being Catalan golfer Pep Angles and teenage amateur Oliver Clarke.

Angles has since progressed to the European Tour. Milner, who plays off single figures, has taken an active role in mentoring the golfers and helping to find sponsors.