Simon Cowell reportedly wants Stella McCartney to dress The X Factor contestants.

The 52-year-old music mogul apparently hopes to follow in the footsteps of rival American Idol - which recently joined forces with Tommy Hilfiger - and get an established designer on the show to improve the style of competitors.

"Simon is a big fan of Stella's. He has been for ages. He's in negotiations with her at the moment to get her to design a few special pieces for some of the finalists. It will be great for the show if it comes off," a source said.

Meanwhile Simon is also said to be keen to get Stacy Keibler - the former wrestler and current girlfriend of George Clooney - to replace Steve Jones as host on the US version of the show.

"Stacy Keibler is in talks to join the show, but her lack of experience in the music business may make her more appropriate as a host. She looks fantastic and has bags of charisma," a source said.

Discussions are also believed to be continuing with Britney Spears' people over a possible judging position.

"Talks are still ongoing with Britney, and she is asking for a lot more money than was originally offered. But producers are confident Britney will realize this is a great opportunity for her to reinvent herself and accept their deal," the insider added.