The Rolling Stones have ''definite plans to record''.

Keith Richards has revealed he met up with his bandmates - Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood - recently to discuss their plans for the future.

Speaking to iHeartRadio, he said: ''I was in London last week and the boys and I got together. And there are now definite plans to record.''

And Keith hopes the 'Satisfaction' hitmakers will head into the studio soon after their South American tour early next year, but he's not holding out hope because his band mates like doing ''nothing'' after touring.

He said: ''I'm trying to get the Stones into the studio. But I don't quite honestly see it happening this year. After we do South America in February and March, I'd love to get in the studio in April. But I know what those guys are like. When they finish a tour, they want to do nothing!''

However, the 71-year-old guitarist is pleased to have the band on board with recording again as it's something he's always wanted.

Reiterating his plans, he added to The Quietus: ''I was at a meeting with the lads three or four days ago where everybody said, 'Yes! We must go in the studio!' Where or when I can't yet say but in the near future.

''At last I've got the boys wanting to get into the studio. They all have to want to do it at the same time. That's the thing with guys - you can't drag 'em in at gunpoint - but I've got the message that they want to. I'm hopeful, y'know?''