Cheryl Cole's 'close friend' Amir Khan has reportedly told a magazine that the singer's relationship with dancer Derek Hough is a cover-up.

In an interview with Grazia magazine, the boxer apparently said Ms Cole had confessed to him over dinner that her relationship was a tactic to avoid the attention of the press.

Rumours that the relationship was also being used to hide Derek's homosexuality have been denied by the dancer, who says he is not gay.

The boxer has since denied making the comment, writing on Twitter, 'Goodluck to Cheryl Cole and Derek if they are together, just want to make it clear that I DID NOT say they are just freinds and its a cover up relationship.' (sic)