(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Jessica Simpson has impressed Simon Cowell as shes so likeable, and is being considered for a role on the US version of The X Factor.

Last year, Simon announced he was leaving his long-term role as a judge on American Idol to bring the British singing contest Stateside. Since then there has been intense speculation about who will join him on the programme, with Justin Timberlake, Usher and Ricky Martin all mooted as possibilities.

Jessica is now said to be in the running, with Simon apparently thinking she is the perfect candidate as she is so down to earth and kind.

She knows what she is talking about [and] is talented and likable, a source explained. But Simon's not in a rush to decide. The judges have to mentor on The X Factor it's more than just turning up for a few hours a week to appear on TV.

They have to get the decision right, which takes time. Those final decisions may not happen for a few weeks.

As well as picking which contestants make it through to the live television shows, judges have to work closely with hopefuls. They find songs for them, suggest ways to improve their voices and help choose the perfect stage outfits. For this reason Simon is adamant he needs time to make the right selection.

There [are] loads of conversations happening at the moment, the source added to People. No one has been offered a judging role yet as new names keep coming forward who want the role, but there are some frontrunners and it's fair to say Jessica is one of them. She's very keen.

The X Factor will debut on FOX later this year. A promo for the series aired during the iconic Super Bowl American football match recently, and the first prize is a recording contract worth $5 million. (C) Cover Media