German tennis former No 1, Boris Becker, will have a translator in court despite commentating for the BBC in English

Tennis ace Boris Becker, who lives in Battersea, will be assisted by a German translator when he stands trial accused of hiding millions of pounds as well as the Wimbledon trophy that made his name from the insolvency service.

A court heard on March 11 that the 54-year-old German former world No 1, who was declared bankrupt in June 2017, will receive help despite commentating in English for the BBC since his retirement from the sport.

Becker will also reveal his "position and state of mind" following claims he failed to fully declare his estate to the Official Receiver, the court was told.

The High Court in London imposed restrictions on the six times Grand Slam winner's finances for the next decade as the Insolvency Service raised concerns over 'undisclosed' transactions.

The tennis star, commentator and newspaper columnist is facing 24 criminal charges of concealing assets from the Insolvency Service.

A pre-trial review tat Southwark Crown Court was told that the trial is "99 per cent ready" and the case will involve two live witnesses and Becker being the only witness for the defence.

Jonathan Laidlaw QC, defending, said: "The case is going to turn on position and his state of mind and I don't anticipate calling any other witnesses barring him."

Judge Deborah Taylor, Recorder of Westminster, said that she had received the request for a German translator and said they will be there to "translate the odd word or nuance".

Mr Laidlaw said: "His English is good. It's just the odd word.

"It may be he expresses himself in German and then he can be translated into English."

The court also heard the trial, likely to take around three weeks, will be attended by people from around the globe.

Judge Taylor said: "We also must anticipate that there is a very large interest from not only journalists in the UK but outside the UK.

"The question I had was whether CVP access could and should be provided to press overseas - bearing in mind that we cannot control foreign press."

Rebecca Chalkley, proseucting, said: "It's open justice. I am happy for the link to be provided."

The pre-trial review heard a large jury panel will answer a questionnaire before being called to ensure the court can eliminate those who cannot do the trial.

Southwark Crown Court previously heard Becker hid shares in an artificial intelligence firm.

The court also heard he hid trophies including his Wimbledon win in 1985, which he won aged 17, becoming the youngest champion in tournament history.

He also denied hiding another Wimbledon trophy, two Davis Cups, two President's Cups, two Australian Open trophies and the Olympic gold medal he won in the 1980s and 1990s.

Becker, who now lives in an exclusive riverside apartment block in Battersea, south-London, did not attend the hearing in which counsel appeared via video link.

He denies seven charges of concealing property, two counts of removing property required by the receiver, five counts of failing to disclose details of his estate and one count of concealing debt.

He also denies nine counts of failing to disclose trophies, which were under his custody or control, and which he was required by law to hand over.

The trial remains set for March 21.