Bidding war

From The Sun:

THE £100million bidding war for ROBBIE WILLIAMS is hotting up - with the RCA label pulling out all the stops to sign him.
Rob inked an £80million agreement with EMI in 2002, but with the release of his Greatest Hits collection later in the year he will have fulfilled all his obligations.

And now the Sony stable, which is home to SHAKIRA and JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, want the solo star on board.

They recently appointed CHRIS BRIGGS, one of his closest industry chums, to an executive role. The A&R veteran rescued Robbie's career from failure in its early days.

A string of underperforming singles saw the singer on the brink of being dropped. But then Briggs put Rob in contact with songwriter GUY CHAMBERS and the pair came up with a string of hits which included the career-saving Angels.

An industry source said: "RCA have played a blinder by getting Chris on board.

"He's one of the most significant figures in Robbie's life and it's sure to influence his decision whether he signs with them."

RCA have made another canny move - they've signed Oz singer SIA, a gesture that will please Robbie's management who also represent her.

Also looking to get him on the books are Universal, who count TAKE THAT as clients. But as the deal-makers wave their contracts at him, Rob is yet to make a decision about the future of his solo career.

Still, he faces a busy 18 months. He's back with his old Take That bandmates for their tour next summer and immediately after that Rob will start recording sessions for his next solo album which he hopes will be released by Christmas 2011.