James Marsden is in line to replace Paul Walker in The Best of Me.

The actor has been offered the role in director Michael Hoffman's Nicholas Sparks adaptation and has entered negotiations with Relativity Media, Digital Spy said citing Deadline.

Magic Mike's Joe Manganiello had also been up for the starring role opposite Michelle Monaghan.

The Best of Me centres around two childhood sweethearts who are reunited after 20 years at the funeral of a close friend.

The pair struggle with their attraction and the resentments that drew them apart when they were young.

Rupert Friend was reported earlier this week to be replacing late Fast & Furious star Walker in Hitman sequel Agent 47.

Marsden can currently be seen in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and will star with Vince Vaughn in Business Trip.

The Best of Me was originally scheduled for release in October of this year. A revised release date is expected.