Manchester City and France footballer Benjamin Mendy has been charged with a further count of rape, it can be reported.

The latest allegation, relating to a new complainant, means the 27-year-old is accused of eight counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of attempted rape, relating to seven young women.

Mendy pleaded not guilty last month to all but the latest charge, which has not been put to him and he is yet to enter a plea to.

Judge Steven Everett lifted reporting restrictions on the latest charge at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday.

All of the offences are alleged to have taken place at Mendy’s home address between October 2018 and August 2021.

He will go on a jury trial on 25 July along with co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, who has also entered not guilty pleas to all charges he faces.

Matturie denies eight counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault, relating to eight young women.

His alleged offences span from July 2012 to August 2021.

Mendy was suspended by Manchester City after being charged by police.

He signed for the club in 2017 from Monaco for a reported £52m.

Both defendants are on bail.

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