Bollywood superstar Salman Khan may replace actor Saif Ali Khan in the third installment of "Race" franchise.

Rumor has it that the "Sultan" actor has been approached to play the lead role in "Race 3." Media sources revealed that Salman has already read the script and expressed his interest to work in the movie.

Mumbai-based Daily News and Analysis (DNA) revealed that Salman Khan's role in "Race 3" is almost finalized. The newspaper also reported that the "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" star is also being considered for "Dhoom 4." Yash Raj Films (YRF)'s Aditya Chopra is reportedly keen to cast Khan in lead antagonist's role in the fourth installment of "Dhoom" franchise.

"Salman wants to play a cool, stylish villain. He has never played one before. His negative role in Race 3 is almost finalized, but discussions are still on with Aditya Chopra for Dhoom 4," a source told DNA. However there is no official confirmation from Salman or Saif on the same, reported Asia News international (ANI) news wire.

The second installment of "Race" franchise, released in 2012, starred Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone and Jacqueline Fernandez in lead roles. "Race 2" and "Race" movies performed exceptionally well on the box offices.

Salman Khan's last box office outing "Sultan" was a massive hit. It earned more than Rs 500 crore and became Bollywood's fifth highest grossing film ever. The "Bajrangi Bhaijan" actor will be next seen in Kabir Khan' "Tubelight" movie. He is likely start shooting for "Race 3" after the completion of "Dabangg 3" and an untitled project with Raj Kumar Santoshi.

Watch video of Salman Khan crying at funeral of his close friend and producer Rajjat Barjatya here.