Cronenberg eyes 'Matarese Circle'

David Cronenberg is in talks to direct Denzel Washington in political thriller The Maltarese Circle, reports Variety.

Based on a book by Jason Bourne creator Robert Ludlum, the Cold War-set story centres on two rival spies - one CIA, one KGB - who team up to prevent an international group of killers from overthrowing the world's governments.

Michael Brandt and Derek Haas penned the script for the project, in which Washington is attached to play US spy Bradley Scofield.

Cronenberg's most recent film was mob drama Eastern Promises.