has lost a huge chunk of his personal fortune following the latest development in the high-profile Wagatha Christie case. The striker's wife, , was ordered to pay nearly all of 's legal fees after losing the libel battle which kicked off six years ago.

Rebekah's barrister, Juliet Wells, managed to slash the costs down from just over £1.8million to just under £1.2m. And in written submissions, it has now been confirmed that Coleen - wife of ex-Manchester United and star - has settled her legal costs at £1,190,000.

The nine-figure bill looks set to close the curtain on a long-running saga which started when Coleen revealed in 2019 that Rebekah had been leaking her stories to the press. The rift between partners of two former England team-mates was the subject of its own ITV documentary and gripped the nation for years.

A big-money settlement has come at an inconvenient time for Vardy, who is heading for free agency this summer after announcing that he will call time on his 13-year association with Leicester.

At 38 years old, and due to turn 39 over the course of next campaign, the Sheffield-born frontman likely has only one more contract before he hangs up his boots. And the £1.2m legal bill represents a hefty 13% of his estimated .

Whether that plays into his thinking this summer remains to be seen. The veteran has been linked with Wrexham, who are on their way up to the Championship under the ownership of stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

A move to MLS has also been touted, with the States a popular destination for players in the twilight of their careers, and the possibility of a sentimental switch to boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday could yet gain traction.

Despite his age, Vardy has started all bar two of Leicester's Premier League games this season, scoring eight times and laying on three assists. But his impressive numbers have not been enough to keep them up, as the Foxes were mathematically relegated with games to spare.

When announcing his upcoming departure, Vardy said: "I think the timing is right, just wanna sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own.

"Leicester will always have a massive place in my heart and I'll make sure that I'll be following for years to come in what I hope will be even more success for the club. But as for now, this is my goodbye but you will see me again, I promise."