MANCHESTER City star Riyad Mahrez has split from his wife — and started dating the daughter of a Real Housewives of Cheshire star.
Mahrez, 28, has been on a string of dates with fashion student Taylor Ward, 22 — daughter of ITVBe reality star Dawn, 46 — after he officially called time on his marriage.
Taylor Ward is the daughter of Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn
Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez has now split from his wife RitaCredit: Splash News
Dad-of-two Mahrez even took Taylor, who has also appeared on the TV show, and 15 of her friends out for a lavish dinner last week.
He hired a private room at Manchester’s trendy Ivy Asia — and footed the £5,000 tab.
The duo were also seen leaving the VIP area of the city’s China White nightclub on New Year’s Eve, and have told family and friends about their relationship.
Last night, a source close to the Man City winger said: “Riyad and Taylor get on brilliantly, and initially started hanging out as mates. He thinks she’s gorgeous, and has joined her and her pals for a few group dates.
“They’ve been friends for a while but Taylor refused to go there romantically until she knew his marriage was over. She is very much a girls’ girl and would never break that code.
Mahrez, 28, has been on a string of dates with fashion student TaylorCredit: AFP or licensors
A pal said: ‘Riyad’s team-mates joke he’s been punching above his weight’
Taylor, 22, has been linked to Mahrez’s City team-mate Sergio Aguero
Taylor’s father Ashley, 49, previously played for the Blues – pictured with DawnCredit: Alamy
“Taylor is stunning and Riyad’s team-mates have been ribbing him about how he’s been punching above his weight.”
Taylor has previously been linked to Mahrez’s City team-mate Sergio Aguero, as well as to Everton star Mason Holgate.
She cheered on her new man in the Manchester derby at the Etihad on Wednesday when City made it to the EFL Cup final.
Her dad, Ashley, 49, is a former professional footballer who retired from the game in 2005.
Mahrez, the French-born captain of Algeria, has been wed to aspiring pop star Rita, 25, for six years.
However, in December Rita, who recently released her first single, was seen flirting with boxing champ Anthony Joshua at London’s Tape nightclub.
And in the summer she caught the eye of another boxer, US ace Deontay Wilder.
Anthony Joshua enjoyed secret late-night flirtation with Man City star Riyad Mahrez’s wife, Rita
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
