They have tried to brave the storm that their marriage is crumbling just nine weeks in.

But now a new report alleges that reality star Kim Kardashian shopped around for a basketball star husband for her TV show, and was turned down by one Italian sports star.

The report from gossip website Radar adds extra weight to rumours the lavish wedding was nothing less than an elaborate set up.Reports on the U.S website suggest Kim was so keen to date an athlete, she got her producers to call round top teams offering a date.

And according to Wetpaint,com E! television producers contacted Danilo Gallinari, a player for the New York Knicks, to see if he was interested in starring on a reality show and dating the 31-year-old reality star.

A source told the website: 'Danilo said he would love to meet Kim but was not interested in dating her or being on a reality show.

'Even though E! explained it would be great for his career, Gallinari turned the offer down.

In the past Kim has said she met her future husband after attending a basketball game in New Jersey with a friend.

The friend then set up a team dinner, reported Wetpaint, and the rest is history.

The couple seen putting on a firm show of unity as they stepped out in New York to celebrate Kim's 31st birthday.

As the allegations surfaced yesterday the grim-faced couple were seen out for dinner in Los Angeles.

Dressed in a furry jacket by Jahaanara and thigh high boots Kim smiled for the cameras as her husband looked casual in jeans and a grey sweatshirt.

At the huge bash Kris was seen putting a protective arm around his wife, who has just landed a role in the next Tyler Perry movie The Marriage Counselor, and the pair were all smiles to the waiting cameras.

Since the pair got married they have been dogged by rumors, including allegations Kris received a lap dance from two women.

Then it emerged Kris was no longer being represented by Kim's agents at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. WME insists it had never represented Kris -however MailOnline saw an email exchange between an industry insider and the company which suggests the firm did represent Kris at one point before recently parting ways.

Kim and Kris, who married in a lavish wedding in August have spent considerable time apart since becoming man and wife as globe-trotting Kim keeps up with her hectic schedule.

Despite Kris currently having considerable free time on his hands thanks to the NBA lock-out, he didn't accompany his wife to Dubai, with Kim heading to the United Arab Emirates with her mother Kris instead.