French first lady 'negotiates' split from Francois Hollande

France's first lady Valerie Trierweiler is reportedly in negotiations to end her nine-year relationship with President Francois Hollande.

Sources have revealed that Trierweiler wanted to remain a couple, but Hollande was insistent, Metro.co.uk reported.

Sources have revealed that the 48-year-old journalist wanted to clear things when the news about Hollande's secret affair with actress Julie Gayet came out, but he had said that he "needed time".

However, it has now been reported that the couple is preparing for "an inevitable separation," and Hollande's aide said the relationship was "over.