The Chicago Sun-Times quotes a "close friend" of Kanye West and his ex-fiancée Alexis Phifer who says their split may not be as final as recent reports suggest.

According to the newspaper's Bill Zwecker, the source said Tuesday: "I'm not convinced they are truly, totally over. They have had their ups and downs and, sure, things aren't working for them now. But I still think at some point Kanye will realize this is a great girl. She knew him before he had really hit it big — though he was on his way. It's the ones who were there with you, before fame hit, that make the best friends — and best partners in life."

The "close friend" also expressed concern that the breakup will give new life to rumors surrounding West's sexuality. He's been labeled as gay by some, while others have accused him of being homophobic.      

In the meantime, Zwecker did some digging round to dispel other rumors that have already surfaced regarding the split.

"According to a number of people I checked with — all very close to both Phifer and West — there is no 'third party' involved in the breakup," he wrote.  "The tragic death last fall of West's mother, Donda — and its devastating impact on her son — also did not lead to the end of the engagement."      

Zwecker's source confirmed:  "Alexis was so totally there for him through all that sadness. ... Plus, Donda wanted Kanye to marry her."