Harry Styles is apparently "desperate" for a girlfriend because he's "lonely".

The 18-year-old One Direction star is known for his womanising ways, having dated older women such as British TV presenter Caroline Flack, 32, in the past.

However, the teenage heartthrob's best friend believes Harry is looking to settle down in a more serious relationship.

"Harry is looking for a relationship, he's told me that," Will Sweeney revealed to British newspaper The Sun.

"He's always out mixing with celebrities and going to parties with different girls, but it's lonely for him and not what he wants. The girls are just there for the night. You have fun but that's the end of it."

Harry and his bandmates Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne collected three accolades at BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards on Sunday.

But despite being honoured with prizes for Best British Single, Album and Music Act, it doesn't look like Harry will be going out to celebrate.

Will revealed that Harry "wants a relationship much more than parties".