Liam Payne signs with David Beckham’s management

Liam Payne has signed up with David Beckham’s management company.

The One Direction heartthrob recently announced he had signed a solo record deal and will now be looked after by Doyen Global as he bids to take the music world by storm.

It is thought they will focus on making Liam – who is currently dating Cheryl Fernandez-Versini – a huge star in the same why they have turned David into a global icon.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Liam has made a bold move going solo so why not go for management of the highest calibre.

"He also already has a huge profile so the scope to increase his brand further is obvious. Being one half of one of the most recognisable couples in Britain obvious helps."

It’s also been claimed that Cheryl, 33, was behind Liam’s decision to go solo as before he had just wanted to stay behind the scenes and write music for others during One Direction’s hiatus.

The source continued: "Liam probably enjoyed the limelight the least after Zayn Malik in One Direction. He enjoyed the recording and creative process, so that was the way he was heading.

"But being with Cheryl has given him the drive to break through himself. He knows she will be his unofficial mentor too."

Liam – who is joined in 1D by Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson – announced his news last week but said One Direction would always be his "family".

He revealed: "I’m really happy to have signed to such a prestigious label as Capitol Records UK. Capitol Records has an amazing history stretching right back before even Frank Sinatra and I’m really looking forward to becoming part of their story.

"One Direction will always be my family; I’m now excited to show what I can do as a solo artist."