One Direction split rumours intensify as Naughty Boy confirms Zayn Malik will appear on new album

It looks like Harry Styles is not the only member of One Direction trying to strike out on his own. Music producer Naughty Boy, real name is Shahid Khan, has reignited rumours that Zayn Malik is leaving the boy band after confirming the heart-throb will feature on his upcoming album.

Speaking to the Sun, the Hotel Cabana hitmaker revealed the duo had been working together after an image of the pair in a studio alongside Emeli Sandé started making the rounds online.

"I can't deny the fact that we have made music together," he said. "Zayn is going to feature on my next album."

It was previously reported that One Direction would split imminently and that the 22-year-old singer is planning to pursue a rap career.

"Zayn wants to go into rap and has been working Naughty Boy," a source close to the band told the Hollywood Life. "The lads are already making plans after One Direction. Liam and Niall are hoping to work together on new projects."

Naughty Boy, who has worked with the likes of Sandé and Sam Smith, says although he is expecting fierce backlash from devoted Directioners, he does not see anything wrong with Malik branching out.

He said: "We're making music and having fun. This is just like a side gig and I don't think there's anything wrong with it."

He also claimed Malik would not able to embrace his full potential while as one fifth of a boy band. "It's a good time for Zayn to showcase what he can really do," Naughty Boy said. "I don't think that is being fully exploited with the band because there are five people and it needs to be balanced out."