A former "associate" of G.O.O.D. Music is said to have tricked fashion label Philipp Plein into thinking they'd booked West for a show

A forged version of Kanye West’s signature is at the centre of a $900,000 (£696,000) fraud case, it has been reported.

The rapper had been rumoured to be performing at a New York Fashion Week event for German designer Philipp Plein next week (February 11). Kim Kardashian West, however, had denied the reports were true on the star’s behalf.

Now, however, it has emerged that Plein might have handed over $900,000 to someone calling themselves an “associate” of West’s G.O.O.D. Music in the belief that they were booking the ‘Ye’ rapper to perform. Sources told TMZ that someone who knows West had been in touch with the fashion label and had misrepresented themselves as a formal representative for him.

Plein reportedly believed the unknown person, who is said to have forged West’s signature on a contract, and sent the money to an account that has now been emptied. The man behind the alleged forgery is said to be a “former friend” of the rapper’s.

Neither West or Plein have commented on the reports at present.

Meanwhile, West was in talks to headline at Coachella this year but reportedly pulled out because organisers wouldn’t build him a huge dome stage.

Two days before the star was set to be announced as a headliner, he is claimed to have asked for a new stage in the shape of a giant dome to be built for him the middle of the festival site. When organisers Goldenvoice told him they wouldn’t have enough time to construct it because it would require rearranging the whole site and removing a large section of toilets, West reportedly told them he was an artist with a creative vision and shouldn’t be discussing port-a-potties.

Ariana Grande will now headline Coachella in West’s place, alongside Tame Impala and Childish Gambino.