[Shaun]

according to The Sun, taken from NME:

Take That's Gary Barlow has reportedly finalised a deal to replace Simon Cowell on the UK's X Factor.

The singer is now "a definite" to appear on the next series of the show after Cowell quit last month, according to The Sun.

A 'source' apparently said: "Gary is now a definite. Gary knows the business inside and out. If anyone could replace Simon, it's him."

Meanwhile, the newspaper has also claimed that Destiny's Child singer is in talks to replace Cheryl Cole, who is following Cowell across the Atlantic to appear as a judge on the US version of the show.

Last month, tabloid sources claimed that Cowell quit the UK version of the show after his family expressed health concerns over his hectic schedule.

Nicole Scherzinger and Lily Allen have both been touted for positions on the judging panel in recent months. However, Allen dampened rumours about her involvement last month, claiming that no one has yet got in touch with her to discuss the role.