(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Lindsay Lohan is set to play the daughter of a mafia boss after she was handpicked for the role.

The troubled actress is believed to have been lined up to portray Victoria Gotti, whose father is legendary mobster John Gotti, in a new movie. It has been reported the 24-year-old star beat off stiff competition from a host of other Hollywood actresses to win the role, after Victoria herself insisted Lindsay should play her in the new film.

Sources close to the production say producers were considering both Blake Lively and Sienna Miller for the role - but John Gotti's famously blonde daughter wasn't having it, insisting Lindsay get the role instead... and producers loved the idea, reports TMZ.

Victoria is reported to be a close friend of Lindsays family and is convinced she will do a great job of portraying her in the film, which will see John Travolta play the lead role.

Lindsay is due to travel to New York next week to finalise discussions about the movie.

Nick Cassavetes is directing the picture, which is due to begin shooting in New York soon. The film focuses on the relationship between John Gotti Sr., the head of the Gambino crime family who died in prison in 2002, and his son John Gotti Jr., who took over the family business for his father.

Lindsay recently revealed she is determined to get her life back on track after completing a spell in rehab. She is also believed to be auditioning for a role in Superman. (C) Cover Media