Rebecca Ferguson in £1 million publishing rights bidding war

Rebecca Ferguson is in the middle of a £1 million publishing rights bidding war.

The X Factor runner-up has received interest from three of the big labels - Sony, Universal and EMI - for the publishing rights of her new music.

Labels are so impressed with the material on Ferguson's forthcoming debut LP that they have offered up to £1 million to obtain the rights.

Publishers cover the interests of songwriters and collect royalties when their tracks are used on television, in films or for adverts.

A source told The Sun: "There's a bit of a battle raging to get Rebecca's signature at the moment.

"With the offers already on the table, it's clear that many in the industry see Rebecca as a good long-term bet."

Artists are given cash advances that represent how successful publishers think their material will become.

X Factor champion Matt Cardle allegedly signed a £300,000 publishing deal with Sony last week.

Ferguson's first single 'Nothing's Real But Love' will be released on November 27, while her debut album will follow a week later on December 5.

The singer signed a joint record deal with Sony's Syco and Epic labels earlier this year following her appearance on The X Factor.

Watch Rebecca Ferguson perform 'Make You Feel My Love' live below: