Niall Horan 'eyeing up rockstar career'

Niall Horan is reportedly considering starting a new band with a rock edge.

The Irish star is currently in One Direction, who confirmed they are to take a break next year last month. The news didn't go down well with fans, many of who are devastated and concerned Niall, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne will never reunite.

Even though the lads have insisted they just need a bit of time off as they've been touring so much, it seems each of them has started plotting his next move.

"Niall's never really wanted to go solo, but he would like to try out a rockier sound," an insider told British magazine Heat. "He's talking about starting a group with some of his mates in Ireland, starting off with little gigs around the country. They've already worked on some songs together. He doesn't really care if it makes any money - he's able to bankroll it all and just enjoy it."

Many thought Harry would be the first one to lay down solo music as there has been constant speculation about his future with the group. He was even said to be making the move to Hollywood at one point, a rumour cemented when movie icon Harvey Weinstein backed him.

But it seems things aren't that easy for the curly-haired lothario.

"Harry believed in the future of 1D, so he turned a lot down. Now he's missed the boat a bit, but there's no shortage of offers," the insider said.

"He did a screen test earlier this year and it wasn't amazing. But he's a big name and he's taking acting lessons."

Those in the know are backing Liam to be the dark horse of the band. He has become known as the spokesperson for the group as he often says the most during interviews, and he's already said to be planning big things.

"He'll be the surprise package. He's already said that he wants to have a solo single out next year - he'll go into the studio as soon as the tour ends," the source said. "He may not be the celeb-y type, like Harry, but he's got really good connections behind the scenes in the music industry, and people are pushing some good songs his way."

It's thought that after Louis and Briana Jungwirth welcome their child next year he will make to the move behind the scenes, as he is already said to be pummelling Simon Cowell for information on how things work.