Ronnie Wood to buy in Sussex

Ronnie Wood is set to buy a house in fashionable Sussex.

The Rolling Stones guitarist – who is dating 20-year-old Russian beauty Ekaterina Ivanova - has been looking at properties in Rye, Sussex, where a host of showbiz stars, including Sir Paul McCartney, Fatboy Slim and Bryan Ferry have swanky homes.

A source said: "Ronnie loves that part of Britain and has already seen several houses. He fancies being a country squire."

It had been claimed 61-year-old Ronnie – who is believed to be preparing to offer estranged wife Jo a £50 million divorce settlement - was planning to set up home in Los Angeles with Ekaterina, but close pals say he has no intention of turning his back on the UK.

The source added to BANG Showbiz: "He was in LA to record tracks for his upcoming solo project, he loves the city but he doesn't want to leave Britain. He definitely sees his future in the UK."

While in Los Angeles over December the couple hung out with Liz Hurley's ex-lover Steve Bing.

Ronnie and movie producer Steve – who has previously been romantically linked to Nicole Kidman, Janice Dickinson and supermodel Gisele - have formed a close friendship.

The source revealed: "They had a great time. Steve is a huge Rolling Stones fan, so it's been a thrill for him to hang out with a member of the band. Ronnie has been recounting all his tales on the road."

Meanwhile, Ronnie has denied his sexy girlfriend is pregnant.

According to reports Ekaterina was expecting, but in reality her apparent baby bump was caused by a wardrobe malfunction.

The rocker's representative said: "Ekaterina is categorically not pregnant. She was simply wearing a floaty dress while out and about. They are all the fashion right now. The only thing filling her outfit was a gust of wind."