Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have sent the Instagram world into a spin with an intimate photo, interpreted by many as confirmation they are a couple.

The pair has been spotted in public together in recent months, but neither have commented on the nature of the relationship.

• Gigi Hadid threatened by blackmailers
• Gallery: 2015 MTV Video Music Awards
• Fashion’s naked moment

In the image posted to Malik’s personal Instagram account, Hadid’s lips are resting on his cheek, while Malik’s head is held in her hands.

Malik’s eyes are closed and the pair appears very comfortable in the intimate shot.

However, the photo is uncaptioned, leaving the official status of the pair still an official mystery.

Another social media hint came earlier this month on Malik’s Twitter account, where he ‘liked’ a fan’s Tweet that read “Hi Zayn I love Gigi!”.

The attractive couple’s reluctance to go public could be related to Malik’s very recent break up with ex-fiance, Perry Edwards.

The two had been dating for four years when Malik reportedly ended the relationship with the musician.

Meanwhile, Hadid split from Joe Jonas – another pop star – in November, and dated Australian pop singer Cody Simpson for two years previously.

Earlier this year, the supermodel’s mother Yolanda Foster told PEOPLE she was yet to meet her daughter’s potential pop-star boyfriend.

“Gigi’s 20 years old, loving life, shopping like she should,” she said.

“I haven’t met Zayn yet. So I can’t say anything about him.”

While Zayn quit band One Direction in May this year to focus on a solo career, Hadid’s modelling career has gone from strength to strength – with her recently featuring in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.