Record bosses are reportedly clamouring to sign Harry Styles as a solo star.
One Direction fans went into meltdown yesterday after British newspaper The Sun claimed the group are planning to split next year. The news came following the departure of founding member Zayn Malik in March.
Band mates Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson have insisted the group are just having a break and not splitting for good, but apparently Sony bosses already have huge plans for curly-haired Harry.
"Harry has always been One Direction’s most popular member and it’s obvious that we want to secure him - he’s a global superstar," an insider from the label told The Sun.
“Zayn will get to release an album first, as he left the band earlier, but the most excitement is about what Harry is going to do.
“Everyone wants to know what his solo material will sound like, there’s also a lot of pressure to get it right.”
Harry has reportedly been considering his next career move for the last 12 months, and has been widely tipped to go solo with a more rocky vibe.
According to the publication he has already sought council from some of the top names in the business, among them Irving Azoff. He has worked at Live Nation in the past and been involved with big-name artists such as Christina Aguilera and Maroon 5.
Sony, which is already involved in the boy band's career as their label Syco is a joint venture between it and Simon Cowell, has played down the speculation.
"We are committed to all of One Direction and are looking forward to the release of the group’s new album," a spokesperson said.
Yesterday One Direction fans spoke out about their heartbreak over the news their favourite lads Harry, Niall, Louis and Liam Payne could be going their separate ways. They flocked to Twitter to share their grief, but it took the boys almost a day to respond to speculation.
"OK so Lots of rumours going round. We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year (sic)," Niall finally wrote.
Louis added the group aren't "going anywhere", with Liam adding some comments this morning.
"So glad everything has been cleared up today and ur support with it is amazing not that we could ever expect anything less your amazing," he wrote.
"Can't wait to put more time into everything we do and coming out with something great.
"Thank you so much for everything you have done for us it's been the most amazing five years and there's so much more to come (sic)."
Harry is yet to speak on the matter.
