Maradona was interviewed by the film's writers before he became ill

A "high-profile" Spanish or Latino actor will be named in the lead role next week, Screen Daily reported.

The film will start with the heart problems Maradona suffered in 2000, an event which inspires him to reflect on his childhood and adolescence.

Maradona, who has fought cocaine addiction, was taken to hospital on Sunday with heart and lung problems.

Interviews

The biopic has been planned since 2000, when Spanish-Argentine group OMBU acquired the rights to the footballer's life story. Italy's Sorpasso group is also co-producing the film.

Maradona has been involved in the project, sitting for more than 10 hours of interviews with the film's writers.

Director Marco Risi plans to begin shooting the biopic before the end of 2004.

Dozens of fans are standing vigil outside Suizo Argentina Clinic, where the 43-year-old footballer remains in intensive care.