Speculation had been mounting for months regarding the state of Ciara’s career after she publicly begged Jive Records to release her from her contract. Now, barely two months after exiting the label, Epic Records chief, LA Reid, has hinted that the entertainer is preparing to join his sector of the Sony Music Entertainment umbrella.

Ciara previously discussed signing a deal with Epic in July, shortly after reports surfaced that Reid had intentions of recruiting her as well as rival divas Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. However, Reid has yet to relay any statements regarding the latter performers.

Read what Reid, who assumed leadership of Epic in earlier this year, had to say about Ciara below:

Surely, this statement has confirmed reports that Ciara has indeed been involved in negotiations to join Epic and will probably announce a new deal by the end of the year. However, although she has been recording new material for quite some time, there will certainly be a delay before her next album is released.

Reid has always been directly involved in artist development – for better or worse – and he will most likely assume the position of executive producer on Ciara’s next project. Hence, any new music that she has crafted without his presence will be altered and it is improbably that her followup to ‘Basic Instinct’ will be ready before late spring/early summer.

Thoughts?