Zayn Malik has been sending naked pictures of himself to Lily Allen.

The 22-year-old former One Direction heartthrob - who dumped his fiancee Perrie Edwards by text message in July - has reportedly been actively pursuing married singer Lily, 30, by bombarding her with raunchy pictures and text messages.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ''Zayn fancies Lily and has made that very clear.

''He has even sent her X-rated pictures and raunchy texts which Lily has told quite a few people in her close circle about. She's flattered.''

Zayn and Lily have met numerous times, including on a flight to Los Angeles in 2013 and again at the 2014 BRIT Awards, but it is only recently that he has tried to pursue her.

However, Lily has been married to Sam Cooper since 2011 and the couple have two children, Ethel and Marnie.

Meanwhile, Zayn - who is working on a solo career - has been romantically linked to a number of famous women since his split from Perrie.

He was reported to be interested in Kylie Jenner, 18, but she is currently dating rapper Tyga, 25.

Zayn also recently enjoyed a dinner date with Rita Ora and has been seeing Burberry model Neelam Gill.