A bitter battle involving Cesc Fabregas, a London property tycoon and his Lebanese ex-wife has reached the Court of Appeal.

Elie Taktouk, 38, objects to having to shell out for a home for Daniella Semaan when her new boyfriend, Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, has millions to lavish on her.

She gave birth to Fabregas' baby girl, Lia, while he was on the pitch in a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago.

Mr Taktouk claims that, whilst their divorce was going through, Miss Semaan under-stated the financial support she will now get from Fabregas - who is believed to earn £5million-a-year at the Nou Camp.

Her evidence led to top judge, Mr Justice Coleridge, ruling that the £7m flat where the former couple lived in Belgravia should be sold. The profit, with a top-up payment from Mr Taktouk, would provide the £1.4m Miss Semaan needs for a new home.

But the case took an 'extraordinary' twist when a company controlled by Fabregas put in a bid for the Grade II-listed Upper Belgrave Street flat, offering about £5.4m, the Court of Appeal has heard.

Mr Taktouk says it could mean his ex-wife having her cake and eating it - being allowed to stay in the flat if Fabregas buys it, but with £1.4m in her pocket.