Pop star George Michael is considering a £50 million offer for Damien Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull.

Covered in 8,601 diamonds, the work - entitled For the Love Of God - is the world's most expensive piece of contemporary art.

The singer and his partner Kenny Goss were given a private viewing of Hirst's work last week.

Michael's spokesman said: "Michael and Kenny took in a private viewing of the diamond-encrusted skull. They looked at the piece as a possible addition to their collection."

The former Wham! star, who became the first singer to play the new Wembley Stadium on Saturday, is a fan and collector of Hirst's work.

He and Goss already own Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain, the body of a black calf pierced by dozens of arrows and tied to a steel post. The couple's art collection is currently valued at £100 million.

Hirst bought the skull from a shop in north London and it is believed to date from the 18th century.

The diamonds are worth £12 million and weigh 1,106.18 carats.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.