Doherty told The Sun newspaper that he was keen to reform with former bandmate Carl Barat in order to play the group's songs again.

The Libertines split in 2004 because of Doherty's escalating drug problems, but the pair have been spotted together increasingly over recent months.

Doherty told the newspaper: “I just want to play those songs again.”

The singer, now of Babyshambles, was quoted recently as saying the band had been offered “millions” to perform at the Reading and Leeds festivals this summer.

Barat went on to form Dirty Pretty Things following the demise of The Libertines along with drummer Gary Powell. The band have since split.

Doherty is due to release his debut solo album, 'Grace/Wastelands', on Monday (March 16th).

(by Jason Gregory)