Westlife's Shane Filan close to a solo deal

Westlife star, Shane Filan, is close to sealing a solo deal as several UK record labels are battling it out to sign the singer.

Lead vocalist, Shane, and his manager Louis Walsh, have been in talks with several record companies in London this week.
It's believed that at least four different labels are making a bid to sign the Sligo dad of three and release his debut solo album at the end of next year.

"There's four, possibly five labels so far who have made it clear that they want to sign Shane," said a music source. "He's an incredible singer and he already has a very good idea of the kind of album he wants to make. He and Louis have been in meeting after meeting this week and are looking at their options. It's looking very good for Shane - he has his choice of record deals."

Shane has made no secret of his hopes to go solo after Westlife split up next year.

"Everyone's thought about going solo - I would love to continue singing for a living," he said. "I'd love to keep singing after Westlife. You've got to get a record deal first but none of us wants to retire at 32 years old."

Louis Walsh tipped Shane to become the new Michael Buble after the band announced their plans to split in 2012,
"Shane Filan has one of the greatest voices out there," said Louis. "He's a complete natural - he's never, ever out of tune. He wants to do an album of modern, contemporary songs along the lines of Michael Buble - something that would have wide appeal. He can tackle any music really simply because he has the voice."

Westlife insist they've already turned down a multi-million pound deal from Sony to stay together. "We walked away from a multi-million pound record deal that would have changed our lives for ever, secured our future beyond anything," said Kian Egan.

"It's not about the money. We'd have made far more on a new record than we ever would with a comeback tour."

Source: clickonline.com