More stories

  • in

    Anthony Joshua splashes huge sum on property in just 18 months as he lives up to ‘Landlord’ nickname

    BOXER Anthony Joshua is packing a punch in the property game — after splashing out £150million in the last 18 months.Joshua, who was beaten by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in a Wembley title fight last month, has become known as The Landlord.Anthony Joshua has splashed out £150million on property in 18 monthsCredit: GettyPals said the two-time heavyweight champ is a fan of Monopoly and joked: “He wants to buy up the board.”Watford-born AJ’s latest acquisition is a £35million property on Baker Street, central London, that he plans to let out to businesses. He also has posh pads in Mayfair.A source said: “AJ is a shrewd businessman and is pumping his money into property. read more on anthony joshua”He is inundated with investment opportunities but he doesn’t rush into anything.”AJ, 34, paid £30million for Breakspear Business Park in Hemel Hempstead, Herts, and has backed a number of start-up businesses.He also invested in the Alpine F1 team in a group he put together with golfer Rory McIlroy and NFL player Travis Kelce, boyfriend of Taylor Swift. Meanwhile, AJ is pushing for an IBF rematch with Dubois, who won with a fifth-round knock-out.Most read in BoxingYesterday, his promoter Eddie Hearn said he was keen to fight as early as February. He added: “My initial thought after the fight was, ‘Let’s just chill out, maybe wait for the result of Fury-Usyk’.Tyson Fury willing to wait until he’s 50-YEARS-OLD to fight Anthony Joshua and says rival ‘knows he’s getting it’“AJ’s reaction was quite a bit different. “He is leaning towards the rematch.” More

  • in

    Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel go house hunting as they check out £3.5million mansion of Premier League star

    ERLING HAALAND appears to be putting down roots in the UK to the delight of Manchester City fans after he was seen viewing a £3.5million house for sale.The City striker and his Wag Isabel Haugseng Johansen were spotted chatting in the street to an estate agent as they explored the stunning £3.5m mansion in Cheshire.Earling Haaland has checked out a new £3.5million propertyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe property is being sold by another Premier League starCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe looked at the house with Wag Isabel Haugseng JohansenCredit: SplashThe property – which is being sold by a Premier League star – boasts six bedrooms and six reception rooms, along with its own gym, swimming pool and steam room and sauna.And the modern mansion, built in 2017, is just a five-minute drive from the home of Haaland’s best mate and City winger Jack Grealish.Haaland currently lives in a rented mansion in Alderley Edge which is understood to belong to the Kamani family, who own BooHoo and PrettyLittleThings.But the fact that he is looking to add to his already impressive property portfolio fuels hope for fans that the £375,000-a-week Norwegian target man plans to extend his stay at the Etihad despite interest from Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA source said: “Haaland has always kept his cards close to his chest about his future plans on the pitch.”When he first moved to Manchester, he moved into a flat, and then more recently, he has been living at the rented property.”But the fact he’s looking to splash some cash could mean he’s thinking about staying at City long-term, which is good news for City fans and bad news for everyone else.”Haaland signed for City in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund for £51m and has since scored 101 goals in 107 matches for the Citizens.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has previously credited his goal-scoring ability with his ability to relax off the pitch.He said: “I think it’s a really good thing to relax, to try to not think too much.Erling haaland’s bizarre new therapyHaaland is believed to have started dating Isabel while he was at DortmundCredit: Getty”Because stress is not good for anyone.”I hate to be stressed, and I try not to be stressed.’But the concept of meditation is to try to let go of these kinds of thoughts.”It’s really individual, but for me it’s worked really well.”The 24-year-old has already built up a multi-million-pound property portfolio.He owns a £6m mansion in the Spanish playground of Marbella and also bought a £2.6m three-bedroom apartment in Oslo.The potential new home is being sold by West Ham star Danny Ings.The striker joined the Hammers in 2023 from Aston Villa and has got one goal to his name this season.Ings started his career on the south coast at AFC Bournemouth before making his name at Burnley.After impressing at Turf Moor, he earned a move to Liverpool in 2015.However, Ings failed to shine at Anfield and eventually left the club in 2019 for Southampton.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward rediscovered his scoring touch and netted 41 goals in 91 Premier League appearances for the Saints.He then joined Aston Villa in 2021 and scored 13 times in the league before appearing for this third claret and blue team in West Ham.West Ham’s Danny Ings is selling the houseCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chris Eubank Jr: I was gang enforcer and had fights in car parks before going home to a £1million mansion each night

    CHRIS EUBANK JR says he was once a gang enforcer on the streets by day before returning home at night to a £1million mansion.Eubank Jr is the eldest son of British boxing great Chris Sr – a superstar of the 1990s who fought for huge sums.Chris Eubank Jr says he was a ‘gang enforcer’ in Brighton with this grainy footage showing him brawling in a car parkThis was an infamous underground street fightThe Eubank family grew up in a Sussex mansionCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEubank Jr grew up the son of a legendCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe son-of-a-legend was privately educated and grew up with his two brothers and sister in a mansion in Brighton. But Eubank Jr was living a far different life away from home – getting into fights and trouble on the streets. And his double life was exposed when one now-infamous underground carpark brawl found its way online. In the grainy footage, Eubank Jr beats up a rival gang member, even STOMPING on him.READ MORE IN BOXINGFortunately for the current middleweight contender, he found an escape through the same sport which made his dad a household name. Eubank Jr told rapper Castillo for The Main Event: “I don’t know how it happened, but I was a street kid. “I was a road man that was going home to a £1million mansion every night. It doesn’t make sense.”It doesn’t make sense but that video in the car park, I was doing that every other week I was in a scrap like that. I was an enforcer in a gang in Brighton.Most read in Boxing”At 15, 16-years-old everybody’s doing stupid s***. It’s just what you had to deal with or what you are as a kid. You don’t know better.”That’s one of the reasons why I ended up moving to Las Vegas to get away from that scene, to get away from that lifestyle.”‘I was like an enforcer’ – Chris Eubank Jr opens up about infamous street fight video before he ‘found boxing’ Eubank Jr moved to Vegas to learn the ropes as a boxer having found his calling as a fighter on the streets of Sussex.He said: “I loved the competition. I love the challenge.”I have a guy in front of me and he’s trying to take me out and I’ve been trying to take him out. “And who’s going to get to it first? Who’s going to land that first punch?”That was always just sexy to me. And it just turned me on. I don’t know why.”Eubank Jr had an amateur stint in America before returning to Brighton to turn professional. He has since gone onto challenge for world titles and made millions of his own through pay-per-view bouts. I was a road man that was going home to a £1million mansion every night. It doesn’t make sense.But Eubank Jr admitted to being tight with his money growing up – having seen his famous fighting father go bankrupt in 2005. He said: “As sad as it is to say, boxers are not good with money. “We are notoriously poor at keeping hold of what we make in these fights. My father was no different, he made millions. “Millions and millions and this was in the 80s and 90s when millions was more than it is now. He still went bankrupt, he still lost everything, right? “So I’m seeing that as a kid and I’m seeing me having to go from a multi-million mansion to living in a flat above a nursery as a young teen.”I had to make that switch and I’m thinking to myself, ‘How has this happened?’ “So okay, yeah you can make money but it’s not just about making money it’s about keeping it. How do you keep it?”‘Sky’s the limit’Eubank Jr is eyeing huge fights against the likes of Billy Joe Saunders, Canelo Alvarez and Conor Benn, whose dad Nigel shared a rivarly with Chris Sr. But first, Eubank Jr returns on Saturday in Saudi Arabia against Kamil Szeremeta and promises that big things are to come. He said: “I’m excited to finally get in there and become part of that movement, because it’s a new movement.”And fighting over there in Saudi it’s an amazing opportunity to go out there and build that relationship and then I’ll be able to go forward and potentially have these big fights maybe out there.”Or maybe that they would put them on over here or out in the States because they’re putting on fights or shows in other countries too.”So this is a very important introductory to that outfit. And I’m fighting a solid guy, man. “He’s got a great record… he’s been in there with [Gennady] Golovkin and [Jaime] Munguia.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s a solid dude and this is the type of guy that is a great fight for me to have coming off a year layoff. “Get me back into the swing of things and after that, sky’s the limit.”Eubank Jr and Kamil Szeremeta ahead of their fightCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Neymar ‘set to buy £7million six-acre private ISLAND’ which has four spectacular villas in tropical waters off Brazil

    NEYMAR is set to buy his own £7million private island off the coast of Brazil, according to reports.The Saudi-based forward, who has been linked with a sensational return to former club Barcelona, is said to be closing in on a deal to snap up Japao Private Island.Neymar is set to buy a stunning private islandCredit: LVHThe island boasts four luxurious villasCredit: Private Island IncNeymar is said to be closing in on a £7million dealCredit: Private Island IncThe island is located off the port town of Angra dos Reis in BrazilCredit: LVHNeymar and pals could chill out in a jacuzziCredit: LVHThe six-acre tropical hideaway is located off the port town of Angra dos Reis in southwest Rio de Janeiro state.It is situated in a bay that is home to more than 365 islands, and boasts its own incredible beach.While its grounds feature a main Indonesian-style villa with two master suites and a koi fish pond and three sea-view bungalows.Its Canadian owner is said to have sparked Neymar’s interest after slashing the asking price by more than £3million to get a quick sale.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrazilian journalist Leo Dias reported overnight that the footballer and well-known Dubai property investor Sheik Muhammad Binghatti have paid more than £40,000 to rent the island later this month in a “test drive” operation.Celebs who have stayed on the island in the past have included Neymar’s ex Bruna Marquezine.The luxury hideaway, which can accommodate up to 10 guests, can only be reached by boat or helicopter.The chopper ride from Rio de Janeiro’s International Airport takes around 35 minutes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe properties feature pools with a glorious viewCredit: LVHNeymar will take the island “for a test drive” in the coming weeksCredit: LVHThe island features plenty of spaces to hang out with friendsCredit: LVHNo expenses have been spared in creating ultimate luxuryCredit: Private Island IncThe footballer and his pals could dine outdoors with a viewCredit: LVHThe official island website describes it as being “a world of its own”, adding: “In an archipelago of 365 islands, we’ve mastered the art of standing out while blending in.”One recent visitor said in an online review: “The sweeping views of the ocean and the mystical landscape of the island make this an incredibly special place to find some solitude.”Neymar builds go-kart track and artificial lake outside stunning holiday mansion Neymar already owns a six-bed mansion featuring its own helipad, gym, tennis court and jetty – situated an hour’s drive east of Angra dos Reis in the Green Coast paradise resort of Mangaratiba.The mansion is built on a two-and-a-half acre plot in an upmarket gated estate called Portobello and as well as the helipad and jetty, boasts a sauna, massage room, spa and heated jacuzzi – along with an underground cellar with space for 3,000 bottles of wine.Brazilian putlet Em Off reported in December 2021 that the footballer had splashed out more than £2.5million to buy a glass-fronted palace on a private gated residential estate in an area called Alphaville near Sao Paulo.It was described at the time as a seven-bed property with its own squash court, massive swimming pool, panoramic lift between floors and enough space in the garage for 20 cars.Neymar, 32, signed a two-year contract at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in August last year after six years with Paris Saint-Germain.Reports earlier this week claimed that Barcelona are considering a shock move for their former forward – if they miss out on signing Manchester City star Erling Haaland first.The island has reportedly had its asking price slashedCredit: LVHIts properties are stunning by day or nightCredit: Private Island IncNeymar will be able to wake up to this viewCredit: Private Island IncThe private island is six-acresCredit: LVHNeymar has played just five times for Al-HilalCredit: AP More

  • in

    Ex-Chelsea star Alvaro Morata forced to move house just days after moving in after town’s Mayor leaked new home

    ALVARO MORATA has said he had to make an instant house move – after his new town’s mayor revealed where the striker lives.Spain captain Morata, 31, joined AC Milan in July after leaving Atletico Madrid.Alvaro Morata made an instant house move after his new town’s mayor revealed where he livesMorata made the reveal onlineThe ex-Chelsea striker moved into a luxury home in Corbetta, a town of 18,000 people west of Milan.But the former £60million Chelsea record buy felt his family’s security was endangered after Corbetta’s mayor Marco Ballarini posted news of their arrival on social media.The report swiftly went viral among townsfolk, prompting the Moratas to move out.Euro 2024 winner Morata fumed on Instagram: “Dear Mr Mayor, thanks for violating my privacy. Thankfully I don’t have anything of value.READ MORE IN football”The only treasures I have are my children, whose security has been jeopardised by you.”I thought that the town of Corbetta could afford me a certain amount of privacy.”Instead I find myself having to move house straight away, thanks to your inabilities to use social media and to safeguard your citizens.”Mayor Ballarini had previously proudly written: “Alvaro Morata is a Corbetta citizen. Here We Go!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The Spanish striker, newly signed by Milan, is finalising the paperwork for the move to his marvellous new home in our town.”I am a huge Inter Milan fan, but it is with pleasure that I offer Alvaro Morata a welcome to our big family in Corbetta.”Morata scored 24 goals in 72 Chelsea appearances following his 2017 arrival from Juventus.However, he spent just 18 months at Stamford Bridge before returning home to join Atletico.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 Seasons More

  • in

    Micah Richards makes major change to £2m mansion after neighbours moaned about BBC pundit & ex-Man City star’s home

    MICAH Richards is making a massive change to his £2million mansion – months after his neighbours moaned about the property.The ex-Man City star and current TV pundit, 36, was previously met with neighbour moans after he submitted plans to extend his luxury five-bed pad.Micah Richards has submitted a planning application to extend his North Yorkshire padCredit: GettyThe design drawings show the desired extension at the back of the homeCredit: SuppliedRichards at his home with pal Jamie Carragher as they appear on Channel 4 hit GoggleboxCredit: Channel 4Despite uproar, officials made a decision in his favour and allowed renovations to go ahead.And now he wants to demolish an existing “poorly erected” conservatory to make way for a contemporary-style flat roof extension with steel cladding.Richards submitted plans for works on the lavish property, in North Yorkshire, which already boasts a cinema room, to provide “additional space that meets the needs of the occupants”.In an application submitted to the local council, Richards’ planning agent said: “The extension enhances the visual appearance of the existing building. read more football”It also enhances the visual impact of the surrounding environment.”The extension also improves the functionality of the existing building, providing additional space that meets the needs of the occupants.”This includes adding new living areas and outdoor areas that enhance the usability and convenience of the home. “The proposals will also provide a high quality family home for modern living.”Most read in FootballAnd officials have now granted the ex-baller’s plans.The council said: “In most cases, flat roof extensions will not be supported where they detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding area.Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interview”There have been many alterations and ‘domestification’ of the host dwelling… [but while it’s] of differing architectural style, it is of subservient portions and would not dominate the south elevation.”Overall, the development will not detract from the appearance of the host dwelling nor character of the area.”Richards bought his rural retreat for £1.3million in 2021 after hanging up his boots.But it is now believed to be worth £2million.Richards previously built an outdoor annexCredit: SuppliedSketches show the current building and the extension Richards wantsCredit: SuppliedTwo years ago, he won his battle with neighbours to convert a home office outbuilding into an annex, and carry out internal alterations.He also built extra accommodation on the first floor with two new dormer windows and five rooflights, despite objections about overlooking.Richards’ agent added: “The proposed extension is intended to present as a subtle addition to the existing house, that also amends a poor previously erected extension, tying the house together.”The design opens the ground floor internally to the rear with better access from the existing living spaces to the improved garden.”This will provide a much higher standard of accommodation in line with the need of a growing family along with improved amenity through better access to the garden and increased natural light internally.”Officials at the local council are expected to make a decision next month.So far, there have been no objections from neighbours.BIG SPENDERRichards has previously opened up about his big-spending while playing in the Premier League – and issued a warning to today’s superstars.The pundit burst onto the scene at Manchester City in 2005 – signing a big-money contract in the same year – aged just 17.Richards revealed he came into so much money overnight he impulsively spent it.The fan-favourite pundit bought supercars, a luxury mansion in the footballers’ paradise of Hale and even splashed out over £100,000 on a single night out.Speaking to The Athletic, Richards explained: “Imagine going from £500 a week to £5,000 a week… and then going from £5,000 a week to £50,000 a week.”Then you’d get bonuses, appearance money, a signing-on fee that was spread over the length of the contract.”I remember one pay packet was like “£250,000 for a month. I was at the training ground, just looking at my payslip, thinking, ‘Wow. How?'”What can you do? I know what I did. I went straight out and bought myself a Ferrari.”I already had a Range Rover and an Aston Martin, but I thought, ‘It’s time’. I bought myself a Ferrari, an F430. Then a 458 Speciale.”But the spending didn’t stop with cars. Richards continued:  “I started to look at houses in Hale.”I bought this £3m, seven-bedroom house and I was living with two brothers, two cousins, my best mate.”Where I was living was already more than enough, but this is what happens when you’re a footballer.”It’s always, ‘Who has the best house? Who has the best car?’.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can never just be content. You’ve always got to want more.”Richards’ reps have been contacted for comment.Premier League star in neighbour row over basketball court & firepit builtBY Morgan JohnsonA PREMIER League star in an intense row with his neighbour over a basketball court and firepit has won a battle to keep them.Ben Chilwell, 27, became embroiled in the disagreement when he raised the back garden of his £5m Surrey mansion and erected a retaining wall for a new walkway.But the Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead for the Ground Force-style makeover at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.He needed consent from the local council for the “engineering operation” and faced a possible red card over the unauthorised development.His next-door neighbour objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking, but the council have now granted retrospective permission for the landscape alterations.In his ruling, a planning officer said: “Despite the change in levels in this part of the garden, it is considered that the works do not significantly alter the overall land levels of the application site.”Moreover, the works are located in the rear garden and would not be visible from the street scene and are therefore acceptable.”The proposed development is considered in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing and design, and there would be no adverse impact on the character of the area or the visual amenities of the street scene as a result of the proposals.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges to provide screening with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.He also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving at his home near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.Documents submitted as part of the planning application reveal that building work on the sunken fire pit and basketball court started in April but has not yet been completed.In a letter objecting, the neighbour wrote: “This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This is a loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now been proposed.” More

  • in

    Premier League star in neighbour row over basketball court & firepit built without permission WINS battle to keep them

    A PREMIER League star in an intense row with his neighbour over a basketball court and firepit has won a battle to keep them.Ben Chilwell, 27, became embroiled in the disagreement when he raised the back garden of his £5m Surrey mansion and erected a retaining wall for a new walkway.The £5m mansion is undergoing works which neighbours have complained aboutCredit: Kevin DunnettBen Chilwell has won a battle to keep his basketball court and firepit at his mansionCredit: AlamyBut the Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead for the Ground Force-style makeover at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.He needed consent from the local council for the “engineering operation” and faced a possible red card over the unauthorised development.His next-door neighbour objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking, but the council have now granted retrospective permission for the landscape alterations.In his ruling, a planning officer said: “Despite the change in levels in this part of the garden, it is considered that the works do not significantly alter the overall land levels of the application site.read more on football”Moreover, the works are located in the rear garden and would not be visible from the street scene and are therefore acceptable.”The proposed development is considered in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing and design, and there would be no adverse impact on the character of the area or the visual amenities of the street scene as a result of the proposals.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges to provide screening with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.He also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving at his home near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.Most read in FootballDocuments submitted as part of the planning application reveal that building work on the sunken fire pit and basketball court started in April but has not yet been completed.Ben Chilwell’s Unauthorized Home Renovations Spark DisputeIn a letter objecting, the neighbour wrote: “This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This is a loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now been proposed.”Ben Chilwell ‘thrown career lifeline’BY Tony RobertsonBEN Chilwell has been thrown a career lifeline after being offered a Chelsea escape route, reports suggest.The 27-year-old has effectively been frozen out of Chelsea’s squad by new boss Enzo Maresca after being told he does not feature in the manager’s plans.Chilwell, who signed for the club for £45million from Leicester in 2020 and was named vice-captain last season, is down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.Marc Cucurella and new signing Renato Veiga are both ahead of him for the left-back slot.Chilwell had been joined in the Blues “bomb squad” by Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah, who both managed to secure loan deals away from the club on deadline day.However, the 21-cap England international was unable to secure a transfer despite reported interest from Brentford and Manchester United, though the latter are understood to have never initiated talks.Instead, Chilwell, who is earning £200,000-a-week with three years to run on his deal, will have to secure a transfer overseas if he is to earn playing minutes this season.According to GiveMeSport, Chilwell is thought to be content at Stamford Bridge and will not move unless the right move presents itself.The Dutch and Portuguese transfer windows both shut tonight, as well as the transfer window for Saudi Arabia, although it’s understood Chilwell is not keen on a move to the Middle East.One window that will remain open for a while longer is the Turkish Super Lig window, which does not close until September 13. More

  • in

    Why Man Utd building a new 100,000-seat stadium is more important than rebuilding the team

    MANCHESTER UNITED took another step towards their aim of moving to a new 100,000 capacity ‘Wembley of the North’ this week.And new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants an answer by the end of this year on whether the plan to build a new £2billion home in the shadow of Old Trafford is to go ahead.Ageing Old Trafford needs replacing but at a huge financial outlayCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte was Man Utd’s £50m last recruit of the transfer windowCredit: GettyThe Red Devils desperately need a new homeCredit: AlamyThat eye-watering sum is around double the cost outlined to redevelop the outdated ‘Theatre of Dreams’ – leaving some fans scratching their heads.After all, other clubs who have moved into shiny new homes recently have hardly been inundated with trophies for their new cabinets.The financial burden it puts on the club inevitably impacts the amount of money spent on the team in most cases.And the start to the season for Erik ten Hag’s team has led some to wonder if all that cash would be better spent elsewhere.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile some fans are desperate to see shiny new additions to Ten Hag’s starting XI, a state-of-the-art stadium is far more important.Ratcliffe is convinced a move away from their historic home is the right option – and the club are backing his vision.The belief is that it would help cement their place as the top club in the country and beyond – and ultimately help to attract the world’s best players.And the ambitious scheme would be something to benefit the whole community as well as United and their supporters.Most read in FootballNoussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt were among other recruitsCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe latest news over recent days has seen the Red Devils enter into a partnership with Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to work on how he area can be regenerated.They will assess the ways a new stadium could act as the catalyst for residential sports, business, leisure and entertainment around the Trafford Wharfside area.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsThat would help to fund the project because raising £2bn will be no mean feat – even when you have the kind of money that Ratcliffe and the Glazer family have in their pockets.United insist they are not looking for hand-outs but believe the new complex would provide opportunities for public-private partnerships.They would also look into investment or sponsorship from the private sector – which could include selling the naming rights, although not before the fans have been consulted.United have looked at similar projects around the world – notably the SoFI stadium in Los Angeles where they played against Arsenal in pre-season.An area known as Hollywood Park has been built around the stadium – which houses the 6000 seater YouTube Theater and American Airlines Plaza.Meanwhile the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome sit on the outskirts and all those brought in cash to help fund the project.In addition, United have kept a close eye on the Chicago Bears’ plan for a new home on the city’s waterfront.They have studied arenas on tour in Australia, travelled to the Bernabeu in Madrid and visited Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.More than ever, they feel a new Old Trafford would be unique.The club own around 100 acres of under-used land in the area around their current home which would be used for the new stadium.That could be used for housing, leisure, business and education under the new project – while a ‘Stadium District’ could be linked to Media City – on the other side of Salford Quays – to create an economic and social hub.Meanwhile they would continue to play in their current stadium while the work is carried out – with the aim of completing it by 2030.Eventually the historic venue – which has been their home for 114 years – would be downsized and continue to be used for hosting academy and women’s games.The alternative, of course, is to patch up Old Trafford, which has been allowed to slowly deteriorate under the Glazer ownership.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat would involve finding around £1 billion – with much of that coming out of the pockets of Ratcliffe, the Glazers and the supporters.Some would say that is throwing good money after bad – and the feeling at the club is it is time for something new.Ugarte & Co must shine but a new stadium is the main issueCredit: PAWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More