Law is now being seen as a leading man

Law has been offered $10m (�6.4m) to play womaniser Alfie in a remake of the 1966 film, according to showbisiness newspaper Variety.

The salary would be the largest of Law's career and would cement his standing as a Hollywood A-list actor.

Alfie was one of Sir Michael's biggest early roles, earning him an Oscar nomination for best actor.

Law has also been tipped for a remake of the murder mystery Sleuth, which saw Sir Michael once again Oscar-nominated for his role as Milo Tindle.

The film was adapted from the successful play by British playwright Anthony Shaffer, which has recently enjoyed a revival in London's West End.

Another of Sir Michael's biggest hits, The Italian Job, has also been remade.

The updated version, which is due for release in the US in May, stars Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton and Charlize Theron.

Rising star

Alfie is set to be remade by Paramount Pictures.

Sir Michael Caine was Oscar-nominated for Alfie and Sleuth

It is thought the film will stick to the original idea as Alfie gives his thoughts on women and relationships but will be given a more contemporary feel.

Law has seen his star rising in Hollywood since carving out a career in British independent movies.

In 2000 he was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor for the Talented Mr Ripley.

He also featured on Vanity Fair's 2003 Hollywood issue cover in March, in a portrait shot of TInseltown's 13 top actors.

His recent films include Road to Perdition, AI: Artificial Intelligence and the upcoming Cold Mountain in which he stars opposite Nicole Kidman.

But his private life has been a source of much speculation that his marriage to actress and designer Sadie Frost is over.