The star took to Instagram with a cryptic caption

ONE Direction fans are convinced that the group was finally reuniting after Liam Payne shared a ‘giveaway’ clue.

Liam, 30, took to his Instagram to share a cryptic update with fans.

One Direction fans were convinced of a reunion after Liam Payne dropped a ‘giveaway’ clueCredit: Handout

The clue was Liam Payne’s new shaved haircut, a similar style to the other members of the bandCredit: Getty

Liam posed in a new shot with a close-cropped haircut – just like some his former bandmates have done in the past – captioning the snap: “A new chapter.”

Because the new-look hair came after similar crops by Harry Styles and Zayn Malik, it sparked a wave of speculation that One Direction were reforming to work on a new project.

After reading the caption, fans fast-tracked their guesses about the iconic boy band’s possible return.

One observant fan joked: “No offence but Why the hell is everyone going bald?? First Harry then Zayn and now Liam!! What kind of haircut reunion is this.”

Another added: “Maybe it is a secret code. When they all shave we get a reunion?”

A third penned: “WHY ARE U ALL GETTING BUZZ CUTS HELP.”

A fourth wrote: “Why is everybody getting bald? Is it a reunion.”

A fifth added: “It is finally happening guys.”

Last year, Harry, 29, also gave his famous curly locks a chop and opted for a shaved head.

He showcased his new look while attending U2’s Las Vegas Sphere concert with his partner, Taylor Russell.

Not long after, Zayn, 31, joined the club and showed off his new style at Paris Fashion Week.

After years of intense fame, One Direction disbanded nearly a decade ago.

They originally met on X Factor where they all auditioned as solo artists. X Factor judge Simon Cowell then put them together and they became a boy group.

They came third place on the show with Matt Cardle winning the show.

One of their most popular singles, What Makes You Beautiful debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 28.

The respective artists have since released music separately.

Harry Styles chopped off his curly locks and opted for a shaved headCredit: BackGrid

Some fans joked about a secret code, wondering if a buzz cut was the key to a reunionCredit: Handout

One Direction was formed in 2010 on X FactorCredit: Getty