Ariana Grande and Big Sean
Big Sean and Ariana Grande ended their relationship after dating for eight months Jason Merritt/Getty Images

American rapper Big Sean has set rumour mills alight regarding his relationship with former girlfriend Nickelodeon star Ariana Grande, after posting a cryptic message on Instagram.

Last month, reps for the Problem singer and the 27-year-old rapper had confirmed that they have ended their relationship after dating for eight months.

Big Sean, who previously dated Naya Rivera, posted an emotional message along with a picture of him singing.

"Sometimes I close my eyes n pretend it's just me n u," he captioned the image.

Grande and Big Sean confirmed their romance in October 2014 after multiple eyewitnesses spotted them on several dates around Los Angeles.

Before being romantically involved with Big Sean, Grande dated Australian star Jai Brooks and The Wanted's band member Nathan Sykes.

It was previously reported that Big Sean was upset with Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Bieber for getting close with Grande, during a surprise appearance at her Inglewood, California gig.

On 8 April, the Baby singer performed two songs alongside the 22-year-old singer - Love Me Harder and As Long As You Love Me. Bieber also went solo to sing his new hit single Where Are U Now.

During the performance, the Boyfriend singer got flirty with Grande while on stage.

However, according to a report in Hollywood Life, Big Sean does not want to rekindle his relationship with Grande.

"Sean wants nothing to do with Ariana and has very strong negative feelings toward her. He has expressed to his friends and inner circle that he thinks she's immature and selfish," a source said. "But the scary part is, it sounds like he really dislikes her so much now, that the two may never even speak again!"