Zayn Malik is "keeping his options open".
Zayn Malik
The former One Direction star has been linked to Burberry model Neelam Gill since ending his relationship with Little Mix star Perrie Edwards but he is reportedly keen to keep both women on a tether.
A source said: "Zayn is basically playing the two women off each other. He's texting Perrie and trying to keep his options open until he works out what he wants.
"Zayn said, 'I don't want to hurt you, Neelam is just a good friend. We are not as close as everyone is saying.'"
However, his plan isn't working with the 'Black Magic' hitmaker, which has only made her more determined.
The insider added to Reveal magazine: "Perrie knows from past experience that Zayn wants her more when he thinks he can't have her, so she's just batting his texts away.
"That only made Zayn more determined to keep Perrie on side, and he's been sending sentimental messages ever since, talking about their close bond and all the fun they had."
However, an insider has also claimed Neelam isn't sure she's ready for the "drama" of dating such a big star.
They said previously: "Neelam doesn't know if she wants all of the drama that comes with dating someone in the public eye. She is going to LA to spend some time with Zayn and see how things go from there."
Tagged in One Direction Zayn Malik Perrie Edwards