Jil Sander creative director Raf Simons

Christian Dior update! Industry bible WWD is reporting the French Fashion House is closing in on a contract with Raf Simons to become its new designer. 'A deal with Simons, 43, has yet to be concluded,' the report says, 'and sources cautioned that several key details must be worked out.'

As the creative director at Jil Sander since 2005, Simons would have to negotiate his contract with the Milan-based house, which is understood to have recently been extended. And considering the Dior show is set to take place during Paris Fashion Week in March, it'd be a pretty tight turn around — and let's not forget the couture collection is due to show err, next month. Yikes!

Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2012 show

Speculation about John Galliano's successor has been rife since he was ousted from the brand earlier this year, with Marc Jacobs believed to be the most likely bet. But in recent months, the wheels fell off the MJ talks and a new line-up of possibilities appeared, including Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, and yep, Raf Simons.

Meanwhile, at Milan Fashion Week last September, rumours were rife that Simons was set to replace Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent — until YSL promptly denied the claims. Could it be that the brand-hopping rumours got mixed and the speculation surrounding Simons was indeed connected to Dior? One thing's for sure, Raf himself has floated the idea that his work at Jil Sander will come to an end at some point, but so far hasn’t hinted at his next step.

Anna Dello Russo and Tilda Swinton wearing Jil Sander designs

Originally a menswear designer, the Belgian Simons has captivated the fashion world with his modern minimalism. Early on, Cathy Horyn compared him to Azzedine Alaïa and Karl Lagerfeld thanks to his 'original clothes' before Sarah Mower praised him for taking 'on challenges that other designers have been frantically avoiding'. As well as well-respected critics, the designer was won a pack of style-setter fans, from Ashley Olsen and Anna Dello Russo to Tilda Swinton and Drew Barrymore.

So let's hear your thoughts on Raf Simons for Dior. Do you think this is a good match or would you rather see Marc Jacobs at the helm? The box below awaits your verdict...