Ed Sheeran has friends who has heard Adele's new album - and they say it sounds "really good".

The reclusive songstress' last record came in the shape of 2011's monolithic '21'.

Adele, however, later had a baby and has since kept quiet about any new material.

Speaking to Capital FM, Sheeran said that those in the know have good reports about her new music.

The singer-songwriter said: "[I haven't heard Adele's new album] but I have friends that did. They were really complimentary.

"She’s great, I really like her. She sent me a really nice text after the BRITs and she came down to the O2 to check out the gig and she’s been really cool.

“I haven’t heard [the record], but everyone I know who’ve worked on it is just like, ‘Dude...that record!’ Apparently it’s really good!"

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Watch Ed Sheeran perform at London's Wembley Stadium this weekend: