Sven-Goran Eriksson's bid to evict Nancy Dell'Olio from his flat reaches court

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's legal battle to evict ex-partner Nancy Dell'Olio from his London flat came to court for the first time today.

The reality TV star has been living in Mr Eriksson's £2.7 million flat in Belgravia, central London, since the couple split.

Mr Eriksson and Ms Dell'Olio entered into an agreement after their separation that would allow her to stay in the flat until an Italian property was transferred to her, West London County Court heard.

The legal proceedings have been brought against Dell'Olio by MPR Trust Company Ltd, which the TV presenter's lawyer said is merely a "bare nominee" of Mr Eriksson.

The trust is registered in Guernsey.

Asela Wijeyaratne, MPR's lawyer, said: "The defence said an agreement has been entered into by Mr Eriksson and Ms Dell'Olio - essentially a separation agreement offering a right for Ms Dell'Olio to remain in the premises until a property in Italy has been transferred to her."

Paul de la Piquerie, for Ms Dell'Olio, said: "This matter is about to become slightly more complicated.

"There is going to be, it would seem, an argument about the status of MPR Trust Company Limited and whether it is a trust or whether it is nothing more than a bare nominee of Mr Eriksson."

Speaking after the hearing, Mr de la Piquerie said: "We now have directions for each party to set out their case and a proper pleading.

"We will be returning to court for an hour-long hearing in the not-too-distant future."

That hearing is due to take place some time after July 25.

PA