(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Tony Gilroy will direct Bourne Identity 4, according to reports.

Fans of the successful spy movie franchise have been eagerly anticipating the news, after it was revealed Paul Greengrass, who helmed the second and third movies in the franchise - The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum - was not going to be involved in the fourth film.

According to reports on Deadline Hollywood, Tony is in final negotiations with producers about directing the next instalment, The Bourne Legacy. Tony is familiar with the franchise as he has worked as a screenwriter on all the Bourne films.

Matt Damon, who played lead character Jason Bourne in the first three movies, previously suggested he would not reprise his part in the franchise unless Paul also returned to direct, as he admired what the moviemaker had done with the second and third movies in the franchise.

The studio has so far remained tight-lipped over whether Jason will remain a feature in the fourth film or a new main character will appear, teasing fans by saying the upcoming film allows for the return of Jason Bourne, but doesnt require it.

Tony made his directorial debut with spy movie Duplicity last summer, and is currently working on the script for The Bourne Legacy. (C) Cover Media