Daniel Craig has been offered £150 million to continue his role as James Bond, according to reports.

Radar Online reported that Sony offered the British actor the large sum in a bid to secure him for two more films.

“The studio is desperate to secure the actor’s services while they phase in a younger long-term successor,” a source told the publication.

“Everyone knows how much executives adore him, and the idea of losing him at such a crucial time in the franchise isn’t an option as far as all the studio honchos are concerned.”

The source finished: “Daniel’s the key for a seamless, safe transition as far as Sony and Bond bosses are concerned, and they’re prepared to pay a king’s ransom to make it happen.”

Craig has appeared in four Bond films since taking on the role of the 007 agent in 2005, but he appeared to voice his disinterest in continuing after the release of Spectre in 2015.

In May it was reported that the actor - who said he would rather 'slit his wrists' than endure another outing as Bond - had turned down an offer of £68 million.

A source told Mail Online: “Daniel is done – pure and simple – he told top brass at MGM after Spectre. They threw huge amounts of money at him, but it just wasn’t what he wanted.

“He had told people after shooting that this would be his final outing, but the film company still felt he could come around after Spectre if he was offered a money deal.”

The latest report comes days after Jamie Bell became a firm favourite to succeed Craig following a flurry of bets on the actor in a 48 hour period.

Bell - who rose to fame in Billy Elliot - had his odds slashed from 33/1 to 8/1.

Other names rumoured to be in contention for the role include Poldark star Aidan Turner, James Norton and Tom Hiddleston.