Liam Payne and Juicy J are working together.

The 39-year-old rapper posted a photo on Twitter of himself in a recording studio with the One Direction hunk, sparking rumours he could be set to feature on the group's fifth studio album.

Along with the photo on the micro-blogging site, he wrote: ''We working! @fakeliampayne.''

The musician - who features on Katy Perry's hit single 'Dark Horse' - is gearing up to release his fourth solo record 'Pure THC: The Hustle Continues' later this year, while One Direction revealed earlier this month they have already started working on their next album, following the release of 'Four' in November.

A source said: ''There has been a bit of a question about the timing of the fifth album but there was never any doubt it would be released, despite the ridiculous speculation.

''Initially the guys thought they might want more time away from the studio because they've been busy promoting 'Four'. But they've been itching to get back recording again because it's what they love to do, so it's full steam ahead.''

The insider also explained the members - Liam, as well as Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson - will be ''in control'' of the music on their next record which is why they have been writing tracks themselves.

The source added: ''It's a formula that's worked before and it's how the lads like to work. The reality is that after nearly five years together they are very much in control of their sound and the process.''