Nicole Scherzinger has been offered £3 million to return to 'The X Factor' for another year.
The star is said to be Simon Cowell's idea of the "perfect judge" and he is prepared to pay big money to convince her to stay on for another series.
An insider told the Sunday People newspaper: "Simon absolutely loves Nicole. She is his perfect judge ... He is getting in quick because he doesn't want to lose her to other commitments she has.
"Money is no object to Simon on this one. He is ready to throw whatever he has to at her. He knows that he almost didn't get her last year because of various different reasons but he won't be making that mistake again.
"He will break the bank to keep her for a third series. He knows that if he can then he has a very good 'X Factor' series later this year. There is no Sharon Osbourne to pay this time around so there is the budget to give to Nicole."
While the former Pussycat Doll is said to be open to a return, her scheduling could prove a problem.
A source added: "Nicole loves Simon and 'The X Factor'. To her, they are family, particularly in the UK where she doesn't have her own family.
"She is flattered by how much loyalty and affection the team show her and she had the time of her life.
"The problem for her is whether or not she will genuinely be able to spare time for the auditions. She is happy to work with Simon to find a solution to this."
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