The 'Bleeding Love' singer, who won the Simon Cowell show in 2006, is in talks with executives at present and could be confirmed in the coming days, PA reports.
Geri Halliwell was hired as the first temporary panellist to sit alongside regulars Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos in yesterday's first round of 2012 auditions in Liverpool.
Fellow Spice Girls star Mel B and 'R.I.P.' chart-topper Rita Ora are also allegedly being lined up before a permanent replacement for Kelly Rowland can be found.
Rowland, who lasted one year, confirmed her X Factor departure last month citing "global commitments".
Bosses allegedly held talks with fan favourite Dannii Minogue about returning to the show.
