Oz magazine faces the heat over huge Bingle-Clarke payout deal

Melbourne, Apr.3 : Australia's New Idea magazine is believed to be sweating over the fine print of its mega bucks engagement deal with cricketer Michael Clarke and his model wife to be Lara Bingle.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the Pacific Magazines title paid a massive 135,000 Australian dollars for a two-part love story of the blonde couple's engagement, despite competitor Woman's Day pulling out of negotiations at 80,000 dollars, saying it wasn't worth more because Bingle does not resonate with female readers.

Now it is understood that New Idea editor Mirella Cestaro is being criticised for over-spending on the Bingle/Clarke deal and not pulling in the sales figures to back up the bloated budget.

The magazine's frustration was believed to have been further inflamed after Confidential revealed details of the couple's engagement party at Luna Park tomorrow night, prompting speculation New Idea is trying to roll back the sum negotiated with Clarke's management - International Quarterback.

Cestaro, who is less than a month into her editorship, wouldn't comment specifically on the claim, offering a vague statement yesterday.

"While it is New Idea's policy to never discuss the contracts on any of its stories, we can tell you we have a fabulous relationship with both Michael and Lara and we look forward to working with them a lot more in the future," she said.

Clarke, celebrating his 27th birthday, and his bride-to-be were oblivious to the drama yesterday as they shopped at luxury boutique Prada. The couple got engaged in New York last month.

ANI