Star footballer’s brother rubbishes Meghan’s dating claim

The Duchess of Sussex once told a reporter that an ex-football star had been pursuing her – but according to his brother, it “never” happened.

Meghan’s claim that Ashley Cole pursued her before she met husband Prince Harry is “nonsense”, the British ex-football star’s brother has revealed.

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, is said to have told a journalist that womaniser Cole, also 38, “tried very hard” to get her attention on Twitter back in 2013, reports The Sun.

Meghan in 2016 before she met Prince Harry. Picture: Desiree Navarro/WireImage

Ashley Cole with ex-wife, Cheryl.

It is said to have been part of a “determined” drive by the then-actress to boost her profile by appearing in UK tabloids.

But Matty Cole said: “It’s nonsense, completely made up. He definitely wouldn’t have to beg Meghan Markle for a date.

“She’s not the kind of girl he goes for anyway, and he’s never fancied her.”

Meghan met Prince Harry in mid-2016. Picture: Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images

Meghan last month claimed the British media was trying to “destroy” her.

But a showbiz editor revealed she “all but begged” for tabloid exposure two years before she met Harry.

Last month, TV presenter Lizzie Cundy — a former friend of the Duchess — described her as “manipulating”.

Cundy said she had “seen a different side” to Meghan since she joined the royal family last year.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission