Love sued her former label

The singer is in advanced negotiations to sign with EMI's Virgin label for the release of her first solo album, said US magazine Hollywood Reporter.

The deal would lead to the release of Love's first set of new material since the break-up of her group Hole.

Love - the former wife of the late rock singer Kurt Cobain - has not had an album release since 1998.

She then became locked in a prolonged legal battle with her former record label Universal Music Group's Geffen Records.

The case, settled at the end of last year, began when Love sued UMG in 2001 for unlawful business practices and faulty accounting.

She also challenged the California Labour Code, which states that personal-services employees cannot be tied to contracts for more than seven years.

Festival date

Under the settlement terms Love was released from her contract and no longer owed UMG any future albums.

She also has regained ownership of some unreleased songs by Hole.

Love's first solo album will be called America's Sweetheart. Some of her new songs have been co-written with 4 Non Blondes singer Linda Perry.

Love will also be making a return to the UK this summer to perform at the Reading and Leeds festivals.

It will be the first time she has set foot in the country since an alleged air rage incident that saw her arrested at Heathrow Airport in February.