Freddie Flintoff has reportedly splashed out millions of pounds to buy the six-bedroom former home of football manager Phil Neville.
The Top Gear and former cricket ace, 43, is said to have snapped up the stunning abode in Hale, Cheshire weeks after Phil, 44, put the property up for sale so he could move to the US to coach David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
And it seems that Freddie and his family will be living the life if luxury as the stunning home features a cinema and swimming pool, as well as a steel-lined panic room.
Splashing the cash: Freddie Flintoff, (left) has reportedly splashed out millions of pounds to buy the six-bedroom former home of football manager Phil Neville (Freddie pictured last year)
Wow! And it seems that Freddie and his family will be living the life if luxury as the stunning home features a cinema and swimming pool, as well as a steel-lined panic room (exterior pictured)
The sprawling property was on the market for a cool £5.25million, with The Sun reporting that the deal was sealed in a ‘matter of weeks’, with it being said the cricketer paid slightly less than the asking price.
A source told the publication: ‘Freddie has done really well with his TV work and wanted a stunning new home for his family.
‘He saw Phil’s property come on the market and thought it was perfect for his wife Rachael and their four children.’
The insider added that Freddie has already moved into his new home with wife Rachael and their kids; daughter Holly, 16, and sons Corey, 15, Rocky, 13, and one-year-old Preston.
Sold: Former England international Phil, put the pad on the market in late February, but by April, it had already listed as ‘sold subject to terms and conditions’ on Rightmove – with it now known that Freddie was the buyer
‘They have moved in and are enjoying making it their own,’ the source claimed.
They added of the deal: ‘He got it for a bit less but the deal was smooth because Freddie and Phil are pals.’
MailOnline have contacted representatives of Freddie and Phil for comment.
Former England international Phil, put the pad on the market in late February, but by April, it had already listed as ‘sold subject to terms and conditions’ on Rightmove – with it now known that Freddie was the buyer.
The 10,000 square foot family home – which Neville shared with wife Julie and their two children – is set over four floors. It also boasts six bathrooms to match the bedrooms as well as six separate shower lounges.
Plenty of room: The 10,000 square foot family home – which Neville has shared with wife Julie and their two children – is set over four floors (cinema pictured)
Cool: Entertainment facilities include a swimming pool, cinema and games room complete with a table tennis and pool table
Making a splash: The six-bedroom pad in Hale is complete with an indoor swimming pool (pictured), gym, cinema, underground car park and steel-line panic room
Entertainment facilities include a swimming pool, cinema and games room, complete with a table tennis table and pool table.
The almost half acre landscaped gardens are complete with football nets.
Phil, who previously played for Manchester United, and wife Julie completed a refurbishment last year, to bring the swish pad up to date.
It has a state-of-the-art CCTV system, along with motion detectors and tannoy equipment to ward off intruders.
Swanky: The property also boasts six bathrooms to match the bedrooms as well as six separate shower lounges (monochrome showroom pictured)
Stunning: It has a state-of-the-art CCTV system, along with motion detectors and tannoy equipment to ward off intruders (back garden pictured)
The former Lionesses manager and his wife, who are childhood sweethearts, also installed an underfloor heating and cooling system, and the driveway has an electric charging port.
Class of 92 star Phil previously tried to sell the property for £4.5m in 2015 when he moved to Valencia as assistant to his footballer star brother Gary Neville.
The lavish home failed to sell, however, and Phil and his family moved back into the property when they returned to the UK.
Phil’s decision to sell comes following his move to Miami, Florida, where he coaches his former Manchester United teammate Beckham’s side Inter Miami CF.
Roomy: The former Lionesses manager has also installed an underfloor heating and cooling system (one of the six bedrooms pictured)
Spacious: The 10,000 square foot family home – which Neville shared with wife Julie and their two children – is set over four floors (one of the six bedrooms pictured)
Beckham is co-founder of the US-based football team and launched the MLS squad in 2020. Following Inter Miami’s debut game in March last year, Beckham marked the occasion on social media as he penned on Instagram: ‘Very proud moment for our club today and the team did us proud… It’s been a long journey but this is only the beginning…’
The 2020 season was thrown into chaos due to the coronavirus pandemic, with fixtures cancelled and football leagues suspended, but Beckham said he was looking forward to a ‘fresh start’ ahead of the club’s 2021 season.
To kick things off, the sports star announced Phil’s addition to the club in January and revealed he ‘couldn’t be happier’ to have his friend on board.
As he confirmed Phil’s signing as head coach and Chris Henderson’s addition as Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, Beckham wrote: ‘As we prepare for our second season, I’m excited to welcome the latest members to our family.
‘We worked hard to find leaders that support the values that we’ve always wanted for our club but also bring incredible experience both off and on the pitch, on a global and national scale. I couldn’t be happier that you’re joining us on our journey.’