[Arneldo]

Britain's Got Talent finalists Escala are being lined up for a £1 million record deal at Sony BMG.

Judge Simon Cowell is eager to sign the string quartet to his record company and believes the group have what it takes to crack the US.

A source told the News Of The World: "After seeing Escala's performance on Friday night, Simon decided that win or lose, he was going to turn the girls into his next mega-money makers.

"They've got it all - the looks, intelligence and right attitude to make it big, and their music has wide appeal.

"He thinks the US will be a huge market for them and is lining up big TV appearances to build the interest."

Cowell believes the group - consisting of violinist Izzy Johnston, viola player Chantal Lyon, violinist Victoria Lyon and cellist Nastasya Hodges - can become millionaires under his guidance.

The source added: "Simon's convinced Escala will repeat the success Leona Lewis is having in the US. McFly are very popular in the UK and have had 13 top ten singles here, but they are unknown in America, where the big money is made. Bands like theirs just don't take off there."

DS