Liam Payne and Cheryl's relationship 'strained' after she 'snubbed marriage talks'

Liam Payne and Cheryl’s relationship is said to have hit the rocks after she snubbed discussions on marriage.

Payne, 24, reportedly broached the subject several times following the birth of their son Bear last year, but Cheryl rejected his advances.

“Liam is smitten with his little boy and wants things to work between him and Cheryl, so thought talk of marriage was a positive step,” a source told The Sun.

“But she just doesn’t seem to be thinking in the same sort of way and has made it clear that’s not on the cards at the moment, which he saw as a real snub.”

The source claimed the added pressure of Payne’s “demanding” solo career has also put a strain on their relationship.

They added: “Nobody is sure if they’ll be able to pull things back from the brink.”

Payne is said to be seeking legal advice from divorce lawyers on how to protect his £54 million fortune, as well as allegedly discussing arrangements for Bear.

A source told The Sun: “Liam has sought some legal advice but he still wants to make it work. It’s sensible to be prepared for all options.

“With a young son and a number of assets between them there is more to breaking up than just parting ways. He hopes it doesn’t come to it but he’s just being careful.”

The couple have yet to address the break-up reports, with many hoping Cheryl will comment during her BBC Breakfast and MTV appearances on Tuesday morning.

Payne hinted at disputes between the pair after he touched on their private life while co-hosting the Capital FM Breakfast Show.

The former One Direction singer revealed they are struggling to agree on which football team their son should support with Payne a West Bromwich fan and Cheryl a Newcastle United supporter.

He said: “Well everyone likes to bring up where they’re from when this happens, isn’t it, it’s like ‘oh well I’m from here so I’m gonna do this’.

“So it’s like battle of the grandads at the minute, and he’s going to have a tough little choice on his hands at some point because you’re going to have to disappoint some grandparents.