Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Liam Payne 'in secret relationship'

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Liam Payne are reportedly an item.

British newspaper The Sun claims that the One Direction member has been involved with singer and X Factor judge Cheryl since December (15).

The romance allegedly began after Cheryl called time on her marriage to Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. Liam has reportedly been telling his friends that he is "madly in love" with the former Girls Aloud singer.

The love-struck boyband member, who at 22 is 10 years younger than Cheryl, also has a new tattoo of a rose on his hand which is an alleged tribute to Cheryl's extensive rose tattoo on her bottom.

Liam, who split with long-term girlfriend Sophia Smith in October last year (15), got the new inking in January.

The pair first met on the UK X Factor in 2008, when Liam was a fresh-faced teenager auditioning in front of the judging panel which included Cheryl. Two years later he landed a spot in One Direction when he once again tried out for the TV talent show.

But The Sun reports that they have become closer in recent years due to Cheryl signing with One Direction's management company Modest, and the pair sharing the same boss - Simon Cowell.

Their romantic relationship is rumoured to have blossomed after One Direction gave their final performance at The X Factor final back in December, before they started their hiatus.

Although not spotted together, the pair both attended the Brit Awards on Wednesday (24Feb16).

Liam and Cheryl have yet to comment on the report.