Ryan Gosling is the latest star linked to the lead role in new movie Fifty Shades of Grey.

The actor joins a growing number of Hollywood hunks tipped to take part in a big screen adaptation of the bestselling novels.

Rights for the first book in the series, Fifty Shades of Grey, have been snapped up by Universal Studios and Focus Features.

The raunchy book series tells the story of innocent student Anastasia Steele, who falls for the beautiful but troubled billionaire Christian Grey. Fascinated and unable to walk away from the mysterious businessman, she becomes his lover but soon discovers he has a penchant for darker sexual practices.

"The role of the sadomasochistic billionaire seems to be man-of-the-moment Ryan Gosling's to turn down. But the Drive star may take some persuading," British newspaper The Sun writes. "Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder is another strong contender. He would certainly take the role and seems the most likely candidate. An outside bet is Brit star Henry Cavill, who will become a household name as the new Superman in a reboot of the franchise out next year."

The role of Anastasia has also been the subject of intense speculation, with Kristen Stewart, Nina Dobrev, Selena Gomez and Lily Collins all linked to the coveted part.

Other stars including Emma Roberts and Pretty Little Liars beauty Lucy Hale have also expressed an interest in the role.

American Psycho author Bret Easton Ellis is said to be "desperate" to adapt the novel for the big screen.