Courtney Love's long-running legal battle with Universal Music is on the point of being settled, according to reports.

The case is set to go to trial next week but music trade magazine Billboard said an out-of-court settlement could be reached as early as Friday.

The trial has been repeatedly delayed since June by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Fumiko Wasserman as mediation talks continued.

Love: Said to be resolving a separate dispute over Kurt Cobain's Nirvana legacy

There is speculation that the settlement will see Love, the widow of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, released from her recording contract with Universal label Geffen Records.

Geffen has claimed that Love still owes it five records as part of her contract.

Love, who claims she has been cheated out of substantial royalties, is also expected to receive a multimillion dollar advance on a forthcoming compilation album of Nirvana songs say the reports.

Damages

The case dates from December 1999 when Love stopped recording for Geffen.

In 2001, Geffen and Universal Music sued the artist for millions of dollars in damages for five albums they said she owed the company.

Love then countersued, and if the case does go to trial next week both suits will be heard together.

Love is also said to be near a deal with the remaining members of Nirvana in a separate dispute over the ownership of the group's recordings and songs.

In a recent interview with radio presenter Howard Stern, Love said she had made up with the surviving band mates Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic.

"We love each other. We're getting along. We worked it all out," she told Mr Stern, adding that "lots and lots and lots of money" held helped the group reach their new understanding.