Nicole Scherzinger 'has hots for Sheeran pal'

Nicole Scherzinger apparently has her eye on one of Ed Sheeran's friends.

Recently the rumour pot has been bubbling with talk that the former Pussycat Doll is dating the redheaded crooner.

But apparently the musical duo are simply pals and Nicole, 37, actually had the hots for one of Ed's mates.

"After his three big Wembley shows were done, Ed invited Nicole to see his hometown as she had some free time in her schedule," and insider explained to British magazine Star. "They've been friends for some time but that's really all it is - friendship. Nicole was actually keen on one of his mates. They were all hanging out and she thought he was really cute and funny. She gave him her number but nothing happened."

It's a shame Ed didn't put his famous matchmaking skills to better use - the star is well known for introducing Friends actress Courteney Cox to her now-fiancé Johnny McDaid.

While Nicole looks set to enjoy single life for a bit longer, her ex Lewis Hamilton is thought to be moving on with pop babe Rihanna. Nicole dated Formula One ace Lewis, 30, on and off for many years but they called things quits in February.

He's been spotted in many of the same nightclubs as Rihanna and they even holidayed in Barbados at the same time recently. However, neither have commented on the alleged affair so far.