Cole in line for £1 million 'X Factor' deal

Cheryl Cole has been offered £1 million to return for the next series of The X Factor, according to The Mirror.

Simon Cowell is reportedly eager for Cole to sign a new contract before Girls Aloud head off to tour the US.

"Cheryl has been an instant hit with viewers and contestants," an insider is quoted as saying. "She initially signed a one-year deal as she wasn't sure how she would fare and Simon didn't want to commit to an unknown quantity. Now he's desperate to get her for a new series and put pen to paper.

"He realises he will have to fight to keep her as Girls Aloud are in talks to do a US tour. So Simon needs to act fast and get her to sign before she has unavoidable commitments.

"As part of the package there's talk of involving her in another of Simon's shows. Cheryl is flattered."

If the proposed deal is agreed, Cole will earn £100,000 more than co-judge Dannii Minogue, who recently denied reports that she is considering leaving the ITV talent show after feeling sidelined by the new arrival.