A British daily has claimed that a previously unknown son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il may be emerging as a candidate to replace Kim when he dies.

A Japanese expert on North Korea told The Telegraph there are rumors of another son emerging as the possible successor to the reclusive leader other than the two known sons, Jong-nam and Jong-chol.

Professor Toshimitsu Shigemura of Waseda University said that the unknown son, in his 30s, had previously been left out of the successor talks because he has an important role within the military.

Shigemura also claimed the North Korean leader's health continues to deteriorate and he has only months to live.