Liam Payne has written a new song with multi-platinum artist Ed Sheeran as he plots the launch of his solo career.
According to editors at The Sun the pair have reportedly co-written the track together, their first time teaming up since Ed wrote the song 18 for One Direction's 2014 album Four.
Fans will get their first listen of a snippet of it on Liam's Facebook page tomorrow.
“Liam and Ed have been friends for years, ever since the Shape of You singer first wrote for One Direction on their debut album," a source told British newspaper The Sun. “The collaboration actually came about very quickly earlier this year. Liam was in Los Angeles and was told that Ed was beginning to write a song with Liam in mind."
An excited Liam reportedly flew straight back to the U.K. to finish writing the track with Ed, before recording it.
“With Ed’s expertise in creating a hit Liam knows they can’t go wrong. They have produced something special together," the source added. “Having Ed on board is a clever move too, as it means he will reach music fans beyond just 1D obsessives.”
While Liam will certainly enjoy the support of his huge fan base from his 1D days, the 23 year-old is clearly keen for a successful start to his solo career, and working with the Galway Girl hitmaker, currently one of the most sought-after songwriters in the music business, will give him a boost.
Recently Ed's hit Shape of You ended Liam's former bandmate Harry Styles' one week reign at number one. The 26-year-old Brit's track spent 13 weeks at the summit before Harry's debut solo single Sign of the Times interrupted his run, landing at number one last month (Apr17). However, Ed avenged the defeat by returning to the number one spot just a week later.
