Coldplay could release a new album, which would be the follow-up to this year's 'Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends', before the end of 2008.

The band, who are currently touring in support of their latest record, are reported to be keen to deliver the final two albums on their existing contract with EMI.

This could be solved by a quick studio album and greatest hits release.

A source from EMI says sessions 'Viva La Vida...' were “incredibly fruitful” and produced “much more music than they could fit on one album.”

“The majority of the follow-up is already in the can, though they will have to go back into the studio at some point to add a few more songs,” they told the Sun newspaper.

“Standard industry contracts tend to be for six albums, so if they provide some kind of compilation after their next album they will be free agents and able to renegotiate their contract or head out on their own.”

Coldplay's relationship with EMI has been under the spotlight since the record label's 2007 takeover by private equity company Terra Firma.

A number of artists, including Radiohead, left the label following the acquisition.

(by Jason Gregory)