Former football "super-agent" Willie McKay has pleaded not guilty to fraud charges and claimed to be a victim of a "witch hunt".
McKay, 60, from Glasgow denied two offences when he made a brief appearance at Manchester Magistrates' Court .
The defendant, who has represented a number of high-profile football stars, denied two charges under the Insolvency Act.
The charges are that as a bankrupt he made a gift of property by spending £9,100 to buy a Rolex Date Just II watch for his wife in Leeds on December 14 2014; and that a day later he spent £54,000 on a Jaguar XK5 car for his wife in Doncaster.
After entering his not guilty pleas the 10-minute hearing was adjourned for a pre-trial hearing next month.
Outside court McKay, who was involved in the transfer of Emiliano Sala to Cardiff City before the striker died in a plane crash in January, approached reporters and protested his innocence.
He said: "This is an ongoing persecution. That's what this is all about." He claimed to be victim of a "witch hunt" by the authorities.
Earlier Andrew Evans, prosecuting, said the gifts amounted to £63,100 and the matter should not be dealt with at the magistrates' court but at a higher court.
David Marsh, defending McKay, said the defendant would elect to be tried by a jury at the higher court.
McKay was given unconditional bail until his next appearance at Manchester Crown Court on October 3.
