According to reports, preliminary discussions have taken place between the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog) and the musician, as part of a wide and long-running consultation process.

The 41-year-old Britpop pioneer worked with his Gorillaz collaborator Jamie Hewlett to create animation and music for the BBC’s coverage of the Beijing Games.

The newspaper also reported that an approach had been made to film director Stephen Daldry, 49.

It is thought there could be more than one artistic director for the Games.

A Locog spokeswoman said it was too early to discuss who might be appointed.

She said it was “speculation”, adding organisers are “way off making an appointment”.

Representatives for Albarn and Daldry were unavailable for comment.