PrettyLittleThing PR stunt or real romance? Jude Bellingham links to Dutch model Laura Celia Valk questioned amid talk of Real Madrid star still being on exclusive dating app Raya

Valk was said to have informed hairdressers and make-up artists during a lingerie shoot for Manchester-based PrettyLittleThing that she had grown close to Real Madrid and England star Bellingham. That information was shared with a company executive and leaked to the press, leading to suggestions of the pair coupling up.

There have, however, been no sightings of them together – despite claims of 25-year-old Valk being “completely smitten” - and Bellingham is reported to still be on the exclusive dating app Raya. Both have benefited from the added publicity, but there may be no substance to the rumours.

A source has told the Daily Mail: “It was one of those rumours that grew legs and there doesn't seem to be an awful lot to it. But what was evident from the leak is that it got PrettyLittleThing a lot of publicity. The story that Laura and Jude were dating went everywhere, and each time the story was repeated, PLT got a mention. It's quite clever, really. The world has been waiting for a glimpse of Laura but it doesn't look like that is going to happen, she seems to be doing her own thing in Paris and having a jolly old time, too.”

While Valk is working on her modelling career, Bellingham is focused on professional matters with England at Euro 2024. He has already been among the goals at that tournament, but more unfortunate headlines are being made as the Three Lions struggle to find a collective spark.