One Direction went on hiatus earlier this year (16) and the boys are working on their own projects, with Harry Styles landing his first acting role in war movie Dunkirk, Liam Payne writing music, Louis Tomlinson working on his record label and looking after son Freddie, and Niall working on his golf management agency.

Reports seemed to suggest Harry would be the first to release solo music as he had registered four songs and moved management companies. But since he is preoccupied with his acting career, Niall will reportedly beat him to it and go solo first with Simon Cowell's label Syco and One Direction's management Modest.

"Niall is the band's secret weapon," a source tells Britain's The Sun newspaper. "Modest and Syco believe he has what it takes to become a break out solo star...

"He has the songwriting and music talent, good looks and cheeky Irish personality which made him a favourite in the States. A deal with Syco is going to be signed in the coming weeks and Niall is already back in the studio writing... There's a hit single there too, which will probably be released early next year."

Louis has reportedly signed to agency James Grant to pursue a career in TV following guest judging stints on Britain's The X Factor and America's Got Talent.

"Louis is very interested in the world of TV," the source explains. "He is considering opportunities both in front of the camera, including documentaries, and behind-the-scenes as a producer."

It was recently reported that Harry is in the middle of a record label bidding war between Universal and Sony Music, which owns Syco. Sony bosses are apparently "breaking the bank" to keep him on their roster.