Tony Romo 'gearing up for engagement'

Tony Romo is rumoured to be preparing to propose to Candice Crawford.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback began dating Crawford, younger sister of Gossip Girl actor Chace, in September. By December, the journalist and beauty queen was allegedly spotted wearing a diamond on her left ring finger, fueling speculation about an impending wedding date.

Although representatives for Romo have been quick to deny engagement rumours, friends of the couple insisted that they are serious.

"Tony's ready to make the next step," a source told E Online. "They'll move in together because he's telling friends that he's most likely going to pop the question... soon."

Romo broke off a year-and-a-half relationship with singer Jessica Simpson in mid-2009.