Darren Aronofsky is in talks to direct 'Red Sparrow'.

The filmmaker is interested in helming an adaptation of Jason Matthews' espionage novel after 20th Century Fox bought the book's rights in a seven-figure deal in April.

The spy novel - published in June by Scribner - is set in contemporary Russia and focuses on state intelligence officer Dominika Egorova. Drafted against her will to become a 'Sparrow', a trained seductress, Dominika is assigned to target CIA officer Nathaniel Nash.

The pair initially clash, but sexual attraction inevitably blossoms and threatens both their careers and international security.

The 'Requiem for a Dream' director will be working alongside Fox-based producers Peter Chernin at PC Film and Steve Zaillian and Garrett Basch at Film Rites, Deadline is reporting.

'Red Sparrow' is likely to be Aronofsky's follow-up to biblical epic 'Noah', starring Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jennifer Connelly. Filming has now wrapped for a March 28, 2014 release date.

The film marked the director's big comeback following his 2011 Oscar-winning masterpiece, 'Black Swan', for which Natalie Portman scooped up the Best Actress prize.