Universal has set George Clooney to direct and star in football pic "Leatherheads", a project Universal has pushed to get it made for a decade reports Variety.

The original premise revolved around an aging football player who coaxes a college star to drop out and try his luck in a new professional league.

Renee Zellweger is in negotiations to co-star in the romantic comedy set against the backdrop of pro football's formation in the 1920s.

Clooney is rewriting the script and will begin production in early spring.