Nico Rosberg has emerged as a candidate to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari when the Brazilian's contract ends after the 2012 season.

Rosberg has impressed alongside Michael Schumacher at Mercedes in the last two seasons and Italy's Autosprint magazine reported that there had been "contact" between his management and Maranello based Ferrari.

The article added Ferrari was merely checking on Rosberg's contractual situation - he is believed to have inked a three-year deal when he joined Mercedes in 2010.

The rumours would tie in with speculation Paul di Resta is being lined up for a Mercedes race seat, and also suggestions Massa could replace Mark Webber at Red Bull.