But the music impresario told entertainment industry website Deadline Hollywood that no deals had yet been signed to complete the line-up for the show, which is due to start airing on Fox television in September. So far only the acid-tongued Briton himself and record executive Antonio "L.A." Reid have been confirmed as judges on "X Factor," which is offering a $5 million prize for the winner and a recording contract.

"I've always wanted Paula," Cowell told Deadline Hollywood. "I've never found anyone better than her. I think there's a good chance it will be her. We've agreed we would meet with as many people as possible, and now (that) we're reaching the deadline we've got to make the decision soon. But I think she's got a really good shot," he said.

Cowell added that he would like Cole to join him, although the former Girls Aloud singer and a judge on the UK version of "X Factor" is virtually unknown in the United States.