Michael Gambon is reportedly being lined up to play Professor Dumbledore in the next Harry Potter film.

He is the latest name to be linked to the role following the death of Richard Harris in October.

Gambon is understood to have been approached by producers to play the headmaster of Hogwarts in Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban.

According to www.eonline.com, producers contacted Gambon after Ian McKellen ruled himself out of the role.

Filming on the next Harry Potter movie is due to begin in the spring.