Producer Naughty Boy says Zayn Malik will release debut solo single early next year
Malik quit One Direction last year and was spotted with Naughty Boy soon after, fuelling speculation that the pair were working together. They both denied that they were collaborating at the time but now the producer has hinted that they may work on new music for release in 2016.
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat Naughty Boy said: "I was there for my friend and in this business it is not the easiest thing to make genuine friends. During that time we weren't making music, we have made music in the past. The world will hear the music but when he is ready and when the fans are ready.
"This year I want to get back to business as usual and when Zayn's ready, probably next year for his music, I'm there for him."
Naughty Boy also said that Malik's intention was to spend time with his family and friends as a “normal” young man.
"For him it was important to just go quiet for a little while and when he is ready to talk he will," he said. "I think there should be a bit of respect for that but also at the same time I can understand why the fans were upset. Sometimes you get caught up in something, bit like a circus, but you are not really part of it."
