GOSSIP: J.K. Rowling approaches John Tiffany & Jack Thorne for Harry Potter play

According to the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, J.K. Rowling has settled on a director and writer to collaborate with her on a West End play which will explore Harry Potter's early years and the story of his parents.

Bamigboye has claimed John Tiffany is in negotiations to direct the production. Tiffany's current West End shows include Once and Let The Right One In.

Jack Thorne (who also worked on Let The Right One In) is apparently being "actively pursued" to work with Rowling on the play. Bamigboye suggests Rowling has had meetings with both Tiffany and Thorne, but nothing has yet been finalised.

The show could open in the West End in late 2015. It is believed the London Palladium are interested in housing the production, but it is not yet known what theatre size will be desired by the producers.

Rowling will collaborate throughout the writing process and co-produce the play. Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender are the main producers behind the project, with Warner Bros also involved.