American dancer Derek Hough is said to be planning to make a permanent move to England, so that he can be closer to his new girlfriend Cheryl Cole.

The Dancing With The Stars professional is reportedly smitten with The X Factor judge and after enjoying a break in the UK with her, is reluctant to return to The States.

A source told The News Of The World that Derek will try to get work on London’s West End and take on some high paying dance students and clients. They added:

“Derek has made it clear he wants a long-term visa rather than one for a specific event. These things normally take up to three months to complete, and it will cost him a few thousand in lawyer’s fees to rush it through, but he’s desperate to get to the UK quickly.”

Cheryl and Derek have reportedly been inseparable since he flew to Britain and joined her onstage for her support gig on the Black Eyed Peas tour. The pair even jetted off on holiday to Tanzania alone last week.

A pal revealed:

“Every time Cheryl has to fly back to the UK, Derek is miserable. One time he was so beside himself I dragged him round a shopping centre in LA and he just kept going on and on about how he hated to be apart from her.

“He has been with her through some pretty dark times and it is obvious he wants to protect her.

“He doesn’t want them to be apart for even a day and if that means shifting his life to the other side of the world, then that’s a small price to pay.

“Derek knows her heart will always be in England. So now, his is too.”