The Rolling Stones plan on recording a new album in 2016, guitarist Keith Richards told reporters.

"A new album looks closer," he said.

"Don't know where, don't know when yet. We had a little chat. We were just saying, 'We gotta get in the studio right? Right?' 'That's agreed.

Okay, boys, that's agreed.' Where, when - we scratch our heads."

In a previous interview, Richards said the band had "definite plans" to record next year.

"I would say off the top of my head after the South American tour in February," Richards speculated.

"But you never know. We might try to get into the studio before Christmas.

I think that's sort of doubtful, with Christmas being Christmas, all that buildup. But at the same time, it's definitely in the works."

For his part, Richards will release, Crosseyed Heart, his first new album in over 20 years, on Friday, September 18.