Damon to play the young Captain Kirk

'The Bourne Supremacy' / Universal

The Bourne Identity star Matt Damon is apparently top in the running to play Captain Kirk in the latest Star Trek film.

The project will be directed by Lost creator JJ Abrams, who is supposedly keen to have Damon in the role.

The Sun also reports that actor William Shatner, who played the original Kirk, "gave his blessing".

While the plot of the movie is yet to be confirmed, rumours abound that it will feature Kirk and Spock during their time at the Starfleet Academy or the pairs first meeting aboard the Enterprise.