Jade Thirlwall is said to be in top-secret talks with Atlantic Records as she eyes up a solo career.
Rumours of a break up between Little Mix have been rife since Jesy Nelson quit last year and Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock became mums this summer.
Now Jade is said to be forging her own way and sizing up a decidedly lucrative solo endeavour.
According to The Sun the star is in talks with Atlantic Records, which represents Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora.
A music insider told the publication: “Jade’s been working super-hard on the new music and those who have heard the tracks say they sound amazing.
“Jade has already met with Sony to talk things through but has really been impressed by Atlantic — and all signs point to her going with them.
“She has held top-secret talks with them and it’s all really positive."
The source added that it was common knowledge Little Mix are going on hitaus after their tour next year and that it was "no surprise" Jade was already working on solo music.
Despite the drama surrounding Little Mix, including the issue of blackfishing after Jesy debuted her single Boyz, Jade has said she wants Little Mix to stay together for another 20 years - rubbishing rumours of a split.
Speaking to the Daily Star she said: "(In another 10 years) I'd like to think we'll still be going then. We'd be doing another tour, another gig with more music.
"I'd love in 20 years' time that there was a fabulous documentary about how amazing we are."
However Little Mix fans are convinced that the band could be splitting up after listening to their new single Between Us.
Leigh-Anne, Jade and Perrie said they will be in 'floods of tears' when they perform the song live.
On their group's Instagram page, the singers sat down for a video where they revealed the song made them cry.
Perrie said: "It's a song we will never be able to get through live".
Leigh-Anne agreed saying: "I think it's a song anyone can relate to. Whether you have lost someone or just have a friend or in a relationship, anyone you truly, truly love, I think this song can be for them."
The song's lyrics include: "When the curtains close and all of the lights go down/ safe to say I'll stay, I will always stick around."
Jade recently told the Gay Times: "I think no matter what happens, Little Mix will always be there. I think the past couple years, we have started to delve into doing our own little things. That’s been really beautiful to see."
The Mirror has contacted Jade's reps for comment.
