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    We live next to Cristiano Ronaldo’s £28m mega-mansion and we HATE it – it looks like a hospital & is a total eyesore

    CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s neighbours have hit out at the football star over his “hospital-sized” eyesore mansion.The construction of the £28million palace near Lisbon is reportedly wildly unpopular with local residents after its construction fell a year behind schedule.
    Locals have been left infuriated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s mega-mansion constructionCredit: Twitter/@lilicanecas
    Neighbours have said that the building looks like a ‘hospital’Credit: Twitter/@lilicanecas
    The CGI impression shows what the completed property would look like
    A report from Look magazine stated that the football ace and his partner Georgina Rodriguez have infuriated their neighbours to-be by carrying out extensive work on the property – which was meant to be completed by July.
    The construction on the mega-mansion has been ongoing for more than three years and is reportedly set to continue for another 12 months at least.
    A video posted to Instagram last month by Portuguese socialite, Lili Canecas, showed that there was still a great deal of work to be done on the home – which locals are calling Pharaoh Ronaldo’s Pyramid.
    The mansion resembled a construction site at the time, leaving nearby residents frustrated with the spoilt view.
    READ MORE ON RONALDO
    One neighbour said: “They’ve been building for three years. The house is so big it looks like a hospital. 
    “My street has been closed for months, my garden is full of dust. My street has been closed for months, my garden full of dust. All because of Pharaoh Ronaldo’s “pyramid”.
    According to the publication, the project was originally expected to cost £10million, before the price shot up to £17million and has now reached a whopping £28million.
    But not only are neighbours furious about the allegedly shabby-looking mansion, they also reportedly have concerns surrounding their privacy.
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    “It is impossible to have privacy in that house. It’s too exposed. From any point of the ‘Quinta’ you can see his house, fully glazed,” said a neighbour.
    “It is so high that you can see the gardens of many of us, it is surrounded by a golf course that you have tried to buy at all costs and it has not worked out”.
    Ronaldo’s mansion is set to include a giant glass swimming pool with an underwater walkway. 
    The 38-year-old football legend also reportedly wants a master bedroom measuring 1,000 square feet as part of what is believed to be Portugal’s most expensive property development.
    The Sun has approached Ronaldo’s representatives for comment.
    The Portuguese star also owns a luxury villa in Turin, Italy from his time at Juventus, as well as a £4.8million mansion on a gated fortress estate called La Finca close to Madrid. 
    As well as that, Ronaldo boasts a seven-storey apartment block in Funchal on the island of his birth, Madeira.
    The football legend’s former Cheshire home was also up for grabs for more than £5million in February.
    The stunning pad, owned by the Portuguese sporting icon, is located in millionaire’s playground Alderley Edge and boasts a whopping seven bedrooms and six bathrooms.
    Read More On The Sun
    It also features its own tennis court, pool and cinema room.
    Listed for £5,500,000, the estate agent Jackson-Stops described the magnificent home as a “masterpiece in modern design set in 23 acres – an ultra stylish main residence with superb leisure suite, two bedroom guest barn and padel court”.
    The property was meant to be completed by July but has been under construction for the last three years
    The football legend’s neighbours to-be have slammed the construction and named it ‘Pharaoh Ronaldo’s Pyramid’Credit: Instagram / @cristiano More

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    We live in the shadow of a top UK stadium – we love being close to the action but major issue needs to change

    RESIDENTS living in the shadow of a top UK stadium say that they love being close to the action – but a major issue needs to change.The area around Wembley Stadium is home to a 70-store shopping centre, a Boxpark and a building site for 5,000 apartments.
    Residents said life near Wembley has a big downsideCredit: Alamy
    Parking is a massive issue for residentsCredit: Alamy
    More than £2.5billion is being pumped into the area under the famous 133-metre arch.
    But residents say parking remains a massive problem in the area – even when there isn’t a Three Lions game or Harry Styles concert on.
    Enrique, 37, told MyLondon: “All of the roads are closed on event days too – so if you drive you can’t even get out of the car park.
    “I don’t have any access by car to my building and I have to wait until they remove all of the security barriers. It’s pretty inconvenient.”
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    Ridvan, 39, said: “I have to park mine a 15-minute walk away. That’s the downside.
    “They have an underground parking lot but it’s only for bikes as it’s a green area, but I need my car.”
    Georgie 33, who lives on Wembley Park Boulevard on the approach to the stadium, was more enthusiastic about the area.
    She said: “I really love it. You’ve probably seen all the feathers everywhere!
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    “That’s the Harry Styles fans, everyone wears feather boas and cowboy hats.
    “We get to see the fireworks and hear some of the music.
    “There’s not really any downsides – just that none of my friends live around here.”
    A Brent Council spokesman said surrounding developments were “car free” to “help ease traffic congestion”.
    They added: “Residents living in car-free properties are not eligible to apply for on-street parking permits and this is agreed to before moving in.
    “Wembley Park has fantastic transport connections and we are supporting residents to embrace other sustainable travel options, such as walking and cycling.”
    A spokesman for local developer Quintain said: “The National Stadium is a public transport destination.
    “The nature of events at the venue means that some parking restrictions and road closures are crucial to ensure the safety of our residents and the public.
    “Quintain are not in control of these restrictions – but we notify our residents of them when they move in, ahead of event days, through signage, resident apps and notices on electronic screens in reception.”
    Read More On The Sun
    It comes after residents living inside a major football ground say they can watch games from their attics – but life in the stadium has a downside.
    Locals near a huge Premier League ground say that parking is a nightmare and that fans keep damaging their cars – but cops won’t help.
    Residents cannot drive out of their buildings on match daysCredit: Alamy More

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    Ex-Premier League star who went from millions to Universal Credit & bankruptcy wins row over house ownership

    A FOOTBALL star who went from earning millions to going bankrupt and claiming benefits has won a court battle over a home.Ex-Premier League striker Marcus Bent has fought off bankruptcy trustees who tried for four years to seize a London property.
    Ex-Premier League footballer Marcus Bent has been battling bankruptcy officialsCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
    They said the former striker – who played for top-flight sides Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves – owned the house and should hand it over to help pay off debts.
    Yet 45-year-old Bent, who went bankrupt in January 2019, insisted it belonged to his 19-year-old daughter.
    He bought it for her in 2006 and meant it to be held in trust for her until she turned 18, he told London’s specialist Insolvency and Companies Court.
    Now judge Clive Jones has ruled in his favour, London’s Evening Standard newspaper reported.
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    He said Bent’s estimated debt following bankrutpcy proceedings brought by tax officials was “a couple of million”.
    But Mr Jones said the house “fell outside the bankruptcy estate” and that trustees administering the estate, had “no interest” in it.
    Former England Under-21 international Bent, watching via videolink, told the judge after hearing the verdict: “We are very happy.”
    His daughter is from a former relationship with ex-fiancee Kelly Clark which ended in 2006, the same year he got together with Hollyoaks actress and future Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson.
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    After they too split he later dated model and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Danielle Lloyd.
    Bent earned up to £20,000 a week during his football career but endured a miserable fall from grace after retiring.
    He turned to drugs and alcohol and also found himself with a criminal record after a police raid which saw him Tasered.
    And despite earning an estimated £10m during his playing days, he struggled with his finances – culminating in bankruptcy in 2019.
    He later told of being forced to claim Universal Credit benefits.
    Bent, born in Hammersmith in west London, was banned from the roads for 32 months in March last year after being found four times over the drink-drive limit.
    He pleaded guilty to driving his grey BMW X5 three-litre diesel on the A3 at Tibbet’s Corner in south-west London on February 27 last year.
    Magistrates in Wimbledon rejected his excuse he had only had two glasses of wine the night before, describing his reading as one of the highest they had seen.
    He was recorded at 134 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, whereas the the legal limit is 35.
    Bent’s lawyer Scott Ewing told the court the ex-footballer was “remorseful” while outlining his financial woes.
    Mr Ewing said: “He is not working at the moment, but does some football match commentary and recently was on Universal Credit.
    “He has no income, save for a £20,000 return on an investment, and says he had depression that led to drug and alcohol issues in the past.”
    Mr Ewing also described football as a “comfort blanket” for Bent, who struggled to cope after retiring and “went from having a high-profile, successful career to nothing”.
    The lawyer added: “Unfortunately sycophants and leeches provided unregulated investment advice.
    “He has now hit rock bottom, from where he’s looking up and there’s only one direction to go and that’s to give advice to others so they don’t fall into the same traps.
    “It is a pity it has taken something like this for Mr Bent to get the assistance he needs.”
    Bent had appeared in the same courthouse in 2016, being fined £385 for possessing cocaine at Chessington World of Adventures.
    Earlier that year he received a suspended prison sentence for possessing cocaine and affray, after being Tasered by police arresting him at his home in Esher, Surrey.
    His affray trial heard how he was high on cocaine when he ran at officers while wielding a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife.
    He later insisted: “At no point was I ever going to take someone’s life. I called them because I was hallucinating, paranoid, terrified.”
    Read More On The Sun
    But he revealed it prompted him to go into rehab, including a spell helped by former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic.
    Bent’s other clubs during a 573-game, 113-goal career included Sheffield United – also now in the Premier League – as well as current Championship sides Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers.
    Bent’s 14 English league clubs included Championship side Birmingham CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The former striker was banned for drink-driving by Wimbledon magistrates last yearCredit: Square Mile News More

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    We live by a football ground – but we’re furious at huge new change by the club… it’ll ruin our area

    LOCALS living by a football ground say they’re fuming about a looming change – and they say it will ruin the area. Kassam Stadium has been the home of Oxford United for more than two decades, but that’s set to soon change.
    Locals living near Kassam Stadium say they’re fuming about a big, looming changeCredit: Alamy
    Sharon Ashby and son Cieran say they’re disappointed the stadium will no longer be Oxford United’s home groundCredit: Ross Slater
    Sally-Ann Berry, 46, said ‘it’s a shame’ the team has to goCredit: Ross Slater
    Those who live around the 12,500-seat stadium say they thought the club had no option other than to move on after its rent shot up in price.
    But Oxford United say that’s not the case – their licence to stay there is almost up, and can’t be renewed.
    Residents said they now fear their neighbourhood is going to lose its spark, and businesses will slow, without the club using the stadium.
    Sharon Ashby, 55, said having football fans around brings life to the area.
    Read more on football
    The support worker told The Sun: “I think it is a great shame. It has given people jobs and a purpose and has lifted up the whole area.”
    Son Cieran, 25, echoed his mum’s thoughts.
    He added: “It is just a great place to have a football ground.
    “There are so many fans on the estate who can walk to matches and it gives a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
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    Locals say former Oxford United owner Firoz Kassam is increasing the club’s rent. He sold the club in 2006, but still owns the land.
    But the club is now looking to get a new stadium built – an idea which has been rejected by the people of Oxford.
    BBC reported of 3,000 ballots, more than 2,000 voted against the club building an 18,000-capacity stadium nearby.
    Cleaner Sally-Ann Berry, 46, also shared her disappointment that the club would be moving away.
    She said: “It is a shame it has to go.
    “It is good for the area and what is going to replace it? More flats or housing I imagine.”
    Sally-Ann said a lot of businesses “rely on match days” to keep them afloat.
    She continued: “There’s no problems here. Some fans park on the estate but they mostly knock on and ask for permission if they are next to your house. 
    “My 13-year-old goes down there with my partner but I can’t see them going to Kidlington. It is too far and if you haven’t got a car it is two bus rides and a long walk. It’s too much expense.”
    ‘IT’S A SHAME’
    For disabled fan and season ticket holder Brian Flitter, 69, the move is bad news.
    He said: “I can go on my mobility scooter and I can be in the ground within five minutes of leaving the house. 
    “I cannot take my mobility scooter in the car so it is a big blow for me and for all of us who live around here. 
    “I’m told they cannot afford the rent. It’s a shame, all of the businesses round here will suffer.”
    A worker at the local Blackbird Pub said they would be one of those.
    They said: “This pub is going to miss the football massively when it moves. It’s the same for all the businesses around here.  
    “The place is rammed on match days and they make up for the quiet times and keep us going.”
    Pub regular Alan Goodall, 70, added: “The club don’t want to go but they have to get away from Kassam.
    “He is charging them a massive rent and taking a percentage of everything else from the advertising to the beverages sold. 
    “It’s such a shame.”
    Oxford United said it was happy to hear it had a positive impression on the neighbourhood, but that it had to find a new home.
    ‘HAVE TO FIND A NEW HOME’
    The club told The Sun: “Oxford United work closely with our local community and are pleased that we have made such apositive impression on our neighbours since we moved to the Kassam Stadium in 2001.
    “Our licence to use the Kassam Stadium terminates on 30 June 2026 and does not include any renewal rights or renewal requirements within it.
    “The position is that after 30th June 2026 Oxford United will have no legal right to use or occupy the Kassam Stadium. Quite simply, we have to find a new home or the club will cease to exist.
    “We are currently negotiating with Oxfordshire County Council for a possible site in Kidlington, but this absolutely does not mean we are ending our involvement in the area around our current stadium.
    “Plans are in place to ensure we maintain strong connections with Blackbird Leys and surrounding areas of the city and we will continue to work with the local community to make sure that our positive impact continues.
    “We have developed a Community Pledge, which is available on our new stadium website and sets out our strong commitments to our current, and possible future, neighbours.
    “Our aim is to build a community-focused stadium that the whole of Oxford and Oxfordshire can be proud of while enhancing all that we currently do for local communities.
    “Oxfordshire County council is currently consulting on the potential land deal with OUFC. We hope everyone will visit Lets Talk and add their support.”
    It’s not unusual for people living near stadiums to share what it’s like to live nearby.
    Residents who live by a major stadium in Norfolk have said they are sickened by the council “declaring war” on fans.
    Read More On The Sun
    Elsewhere other local have slammed new plans to redevelop a top stadium claiming it will make their lives hell.
    Others living in the shadow of a football stadium say it’s super loud and parking can be hell – but they love it.
    Locals say stadium owner Firoz Kassam is hiking the rent – but the club claim that’s not the caseCredit: Alamy
    Disabled fan Brian Flitter says he won’t be able to go to matches when the club moves homesCredit: Ross Slater More

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    We live on the site of an iconic old Premier League ground – it’s full of history but we hate it… here’s why

    RESIDENTS living on the site of an iconic former football stadium have revealed why they hate it despite its history.Locals claim their lives have been made hell by rampant drug use and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood.
    Residents around Coventry City’s old ground say their neighbourhood has been ruined by drugged-up yobsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    They claim that thugs gather on the green space opposite their homes to take drugsCredit: YOUTUBE/MATT SB
    People living in Highfield Road, where Coventry City’s beloved former ground once stood, complain that drugged-up yobs gather around the green space and children’s playground opposite their homes.
    They are now demanding that the council build more properties on the space to prevent this.
    Dad-of-four Sibghat Ullah, whose three-storey home is located where the East Stand once was, told The Sun Online: “There are groups of druggies making the square hell and they don’t even live here.
    “But they come here in the evening and sometimes hang out until 2am because it is a nice place – shouting, swearing and peeing in our front gardens.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    “They’re as bad as football hooligans.”
    Sibghat, 38, added that the thugs have defaced a memorial for the old ground.
    The stadium was demolished in 2005, when the Sky Blues relocated to the CBS Arena further out of the city.
    A plaque in the middle of the green area remained the only hint of the 23,500-seater venue, that hosted Coventry from their rise up the ranks to the Premier League and back down again over 106 years.
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    But not even that was safe, according to Sibghat.
    He fumed: “There was a plaque and it’s been ripped off the plinth, which now remains empty, and has not been replaced.”
    It comes after a group of residents by another major stadium claimed that their local council was “declaring war” on fans with new parking restrictions.
    Meanwhile, one lucky woman doesn’t have to buy a ticket to watch her team play as her flat overlooks the former Prem ground, but she did reveal the big issue she has to put up with.
    Even the plaque memorialising the old ground has been stolen, according to one residentCredit: YOUTUBE/MATT SB More

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    Inside Christian Horner’s country pile that Red Bull F1 boss shares with Spice Girl Geri and three miniature donkeys

    RED BULL chief Christian Horner is used to living life in the fast lane working in F1.But when it comes to his personal life, the team principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
    Red Bull boss Christian Horner lives a life of luxury in the countryCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
    Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    He shares TWO stunning country homes with wife, Spice Girl Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
    The former property is, perhaps, the most lavish and most shared online – boasting its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
    Their farm also houses three miniature donkeys, horses and goats in the estate’s stables.
    For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of the F1 circuit.
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    Back in 2019, he told Luxury London that the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
    “Restoring the farm has been my hobby – the way I put racing out of my mind,” he added.
    “The main house is finished but now the barns are being converted. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to an indoor swimming pool.”
    Certainly, it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
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    Horner, who last year celebrated Max Verstappen regaining the F1 Championship, is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and the couple share a son, Montague, who is 6.
    He also has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
    Christian has been spied alongside his boy riding matching John Deere tractors.
    He’s also been seen standing with his vintage Aston Martin DB5, which was Sean Connery’s car of choice as James Bond in Goldfinger.
    F1’s Horner poses on the steps of the home with daughter Olivia from his previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
    Son Montague and dad have matching John Deere tractorsCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
    An Aston Martin DB5 sits proudly in Horner’s garage
    Horner is married to Spice Girl GeriCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Geri shows off the home’s swimming poolCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Geri appears happy to play the role of housewife, often sharing photos in the kitchen rustling up treats.
    A budding chef, she has shown off her baking skills by crafting cakes using a customised Ginger Spice KitchenAid mixer, which Christian had specially designed for her.
    And with four separate ovens to choose from with the AGA range the kitchen boasts, she has plenty of space for her other favourite pastime – making bread.
    You can bet, Christian, who also loves using the outdoor barbecue, and the kids are well fed in the Horner household with Geri’s production line of cakes and bread.
    Geri is often spied in the kitchen and loves bakingCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Christian shows off his grilling skills with the outdoor barbecueCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
    Christian and Geri have a number of reception rooms to entertain from.
    However, the most popular one appears to be where a £16,000 original Wurlitzer can be found.
    When she celebrated her 45th birthday, Geri posted a video online singing along to Michael Jackson hit Billie Jean while thanking Christian for the music, which suggested it was a gift for her.
    Another living room shows off a stunning chandelier, as well as a marble fireplace.
    A £16,000 vintage Wurlitzer can be seen in a reception room, which was a gift from Christian for Geri’s 45th birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The Oxfordshire property boasts several reception roomsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    A spacious dining room was seen when Montague celebrated his birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The glam couple also have a bar space in their propertyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The family love taking advantage of the huge grounds on offer at their farmhouse.
    And why not when you’ve got an incredible duck pond so big you can go boating on it.
    Horner and Geri can even take their dogs for a walk around the expansive gardens.
    The pair have even been seen zooming around on a quad bike, as well as picking raspberries in the garden with Montague.
    Miniature donkeys live in the stables
    The grounds are vast on the Horner’s Oxfordshire plot
    The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Geri picks raspberries with Montague in their lush gardenCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The duck pond on the property has its own boat
    Christian and Geri live the country life away from the racing circuitCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Of course, no farm would be complete without animals either.
    And Christian and Geri boast three miniature donkeys that are housed in the stables, as well as some goats.
    Read More On The Sun
    The singer often shares videos online when it’s feeding time.
    Clearly, you can forget the fancy racing circuit of heading to places like Dubai or Monte Carlo. A farmhouse is where it’s at. More

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    Work on Aaron Cresswell’s new £4million home drags on after endangered red squirrels spotted

    FOOTIE star Aaron Cresswell was forced into extra time while building a new £4million home — by endangered red squirrels.Work was delayed for a year after the protected critters were spotted in his garden.
    Work has been delayed on Aaron Cresswell’s £4million home after red squirrels were spotted in his gardenCredit: Rex Features
    It is illegal to disturb the protected creatures under the Wildlife and Countryside ActCredit: Getty
    West Ham defender Cresswell — compared to a squirrel by former teammate Mark Noble — got permission in February last year to demolish an existing property and build a six-bed pad with cinema, garden pavilion and playground.
    But the rural plot in Formby, Merseyside, is next to a National Trust red squirrel refuge.
    And it is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act to disturb them.
    Cameras caught squirrels near a potential nest, halting work until after the breeding season.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    Red squirrel populations have declined massively in recent decades as they have been replaced by larger grey squirrels.
    The species can only now be found in parts of northern England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
    Cresswell, 33, plans a sedum plants roof to boost biodiversity and a hedgehog home in his garden.
    Documents filed at the local council reveal Cresswell originally bought the property for £1.1million three years ago but it remained vacant while he lived in London.
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    Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lives nearby and ex Reds and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole used to live in the same road.
    His planning agent said they had worked to ensure the design “supports local species, habitats and wildlife”. More

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    West Ham star to agree new contract despite being linked with Merseyside move where he is building a house

    AARON CRESSWELL is ready to sign a new West Ham contract.The left-back has been linked with a return to his native Merseyside, where he is building a house, but the Hammers are keen to hold on to him.
    West Ham ace Aaron Cresswell has been linked with a move to MerseysideCredit: Getty
    Cresswell is set to sign a new West Ham contract during the summer transfer windowCredit: Rex
    Cresswell, 33, has played 331 Irons games since a £4million move from  Ipswich in 2014.
    But the three-cap Englishman will face stiff competition next season from Emerson Palmieri.
    Emerson got the nod ahead of Cresswell for West Ham’s Europa Conference League final triumph.
    West Ham are set for a significant revamp at the London Stadium during the summer transfer window.
    Read More on Football
    The Hammers are prepared to lose Declan Rice with owner David Sullivan confirming he has played his last match for the club.
    Arsenal appear to be in pole position for Rice’s signature despite having a £90million bid turned down.
    The Gunners are now ready to splash out a whopping £100m for the midfielder.
    The East Londoners want the guaranteed part of the offer for the England international to be paid in two instalments before 2025.
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    And the North Londoners’ new proposal is expected to guarantee West Ham a fee in the region of £90m plus extra payments worth an additional £10m.
    West Ham are currently looking for possible replacements to fill in for Rice.
    Reports suggest David Moyes is keen on Fulham star Joao Palhinha as well as Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe. More