Scarlett Johansson searches for property in London

Scarlett Johansson could relocate to London in an effort to avoid ex-husband Ryan Reynolds and his new girlfriend, according to reports.

The actress is rumoured to be buying a home in the UK's capital city so she doesn't bump into The Proposal star with his latest partner, Blake Lively.

The Gossip Girl star, 24, and Reynolds, 35, have been spotted in public on numerous occasions over the past few months, with news of their romance making gossip magazine headlines.

Now the 27-year-old could be spending more time abroad while she films her new movie, according to The Mail On Sunday.

"She's filming a movie called Under The Skin in Scotland at the moment but she is hoping to meet someone new. She adores British men and would love a place and a man in London," a source said.

Johansson was in London last week and visited an estate agent to assist with her search for a place.

However, a spokesman for Scarlett told the newspaper: "She is not making London her permanent base."