Josh Duhamel finds a Safe Haven

Josh Duhamel is in talks to star in romantic drama Safe Haven.

The Transformers star is considering the lead role in Lasse Hallstrom's big-screen adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name, reported Variety.

The 39-year-old, who last appeared in ensemble drama New Year's Eve, is tipped to play a widowed store owner and father-of-two, who falls in love with a mysterious young woman with a dark past who suddenly arrives in a small North Carolina town.

The role of the female has not yet been cast, although author Nicholas Sparks revealed that Keira Knightley had been "so close" to joining the cast.

"Lasse Hallstrom is slated to direct, and we are so close to finalising our casting decisions, but I can't tell you anything," he said.

"We were so close - we literally had Keira Knightley signing before she backed out, so that's why we can't really say. She said that something else had come up, which she wanted to do instead."

Nicholas - whose book The Lucky One has also been turned into a film, starring Zac Efron - revealed that work on Safe Haven is due to start shortly, with a release set for Valentine's Day in 2013.

"Safe Haven looks like it's going into production in three weeks," he added.