Stalemate in £10m Henry divorce fight

Footballer Thierry Henry and his former wife failed to reach agreement today in their bitter divorce battle.

The Barcelona and former Arsenal star could not hammer out a deal at the High Court with Claire Merry over her demands for up to £10 million.

If their legal teams fail to find common ground in the coming weeks the stage could be set for an explosive rematch.

A court source told the Standard: "There was no agreement today and no order was made. They could still settle out of court but that seems unlikely and they will probably be back here."

The pair, whose daughter Tea is two, split after Henry was apparently spotted on dates with make-up artist Sadie Hewlett.

Ms Merry, 27, from Croydon, is said to have found texts between the pair on Henry's phone.

The ex-model was granted a "quickie divorce" last September on the grounds that his "unreasonable behaviour" had made their four-year marriage unworkable. She is said to be demanding a settlement based on the French player's earnings. Henry is believed to be arguing that he was successful before they met in 2001.

He is being represented by Sandra Davis of Mishcon de Reya, while Ms Merry has brought in Fiona Shackleton, who acted for Sir Paul McCartney in his recent divorce.

Henry is said to reject any claim for a settlement linked to his £130,000-a-week Barcelona wage or for some of the £5 million marital home in Hampstead.