Katy Perry and John Mayer Dating: Is Mayer using Perry to Ultimately Get to Rihanna?

According to a report in the National Enquirer (so don't be quick to believe everything you read here), John Mayer may have different underlying motivations in pursuing pop star Katy Perry as a love interest - and that's to get closer to hip-hop songstress Rihanna.

According to an inside source who reports to the National Enquirer, Mayer has tried to pursue the "Umbrella" singer on and off for years, starting at a New York music industry party back in 2009.

One source claims that the duo "really hit it off. John was smitten. He tried to lure her back to his place on several occasions, but Rihanna just laughed him off, saying she wasn't his type. That only made him want her more."

Apparently the "Your Body is a Wonderland" crooner also approached Rihanna at another party last year, but the ex-flame of Chris Brown again blew him off.

Another source is quoted as saying, "Katy has no idea just how hard he tried to score with Rihanna. Now, her pals are worried she's headed for heartache."

Just another rumor surrounding Perry and Mayer's budding romance, but it doesn't seem like much is getting in the way of their (flirtation) happiness -recent snapshots of the two canoodling at a friend's L.A. pool party makes it look like the two can't keep their hands off each other.