Jessica Simpson is desperate for a baby

Jessica Simpson isn’t pregnant, despite recent claims to the contrary. OK! magazine reported on its cover earlier this week that the 29-year-old — who has just started dating former NFL star is Eric Johnson — is “excited” about becoming a mom.

But a rep for the reality star has spoken out to set the record straight, insisting talk of a pregnancy is “absurd”.

Meanwhile, Jessica — who divorced Nick Lachey in July 2006 and endured a spate of failed romances with John Mayer, Tony Romo and Billy Corgan — turns 30 this weekends and admits she thought she’d be married with a baby by now.

“I thought I had it figured out; I’m going to be this great pop star, be married, have babies,” she has said

“But things can be taken from you.”

Meanwhile, former footballer Eric — who split from his wife earlier this year and filed for divorce in February — has been described as “smart” and “down-to-earth” by NFL insiders.

“He’s one of the nicest guys around,” an NFL insider, who has worked with the ex-San Francisco 49ers player, told People magazine.

“I’m surprised he is dating her. She is such a big star and he is so reserved.

“He is very smart and he is one of the most down-to-earth athletes I know.

“He is the polar opposite of what you think of when you say ‘player’.

“When I met him, he was driving a Prius when other athletes were driving gas-guzzling cars.”