The tabloid quotes a source as saying that Johnson is alleged to have had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
A spokeswoman for Durham Police told the publication: “A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16.
“He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their inquiries.”
Sunderland-born Johnson was briefly on the books of Newcastle United before coming through the Middlesbrough youth ranks.
His performances for Boro earned him a move to Manchester City in February 2010. He played 73 games for City, scoring 11 goals, before moving to the Stadium of Light in a £10m deal in 2012.
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