MUMBAI : After the release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, speculations about a fourth instalment is rife and the production team is keen on casting Transporter star Jason Statham.

"It‘s clear the franchise still has huge potential but with a new leading man capable of taking Transformers in a new, darker direction. Jason could be just the man," said a Hollywood trade analyst.

The rumours about Statham‘s entry into the autobot-war film emerged after LaBeouf and director Michael Bay hinted of their retirement after the third instalment.