Harry Styles has signed a solo record deal.

Harry Styles

Harry Styles

The One Direction singer has joined forces with Columbia Records, who are also behind the 'History' hitmakers, despite previous reported interest from Sony Music.

Sources told Billboard that there is no timeline in place for when Harry might release a solo album and the deal terms are as-yet unknown.

It is not a huge surprise that the star has put pen to paper on a solo deal as last year four songs written by him were registered by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

The hunk is also keen to forge a movie career and is currently filming Christopher Nolan World War II drama, 'Dunkirk'.

In August, it was reported that Sony Music were keen to sign the 22-year-old star up to a solo record deal.

A Sony insider revealed at the time: "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.

"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 is a smart guy and is really good at surrounding himself with talented people."

One Direction - also made up of Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan - announced last year they were going on an indefinite hiatus.

Former 1D member Zayn Malik is now a solo artist after quitting the band prior to their hiatus.

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