Eric Cantona is to lead a new comedy film about a synchronised swimming coach, Digital Spy reports.

The former Manchester United footballer will star in The Mermaid Man as Franck, a widower who sets up a swimming group made out of unemployed men as they struggle through depression and poverty.

The Full Monty-style film will be set in the Thatcher era of the 1980s, with Cantona's men hoping to win an international competition in honour of his late wife, a former swimming champion.

Stéphane Giusti will direct the film, while David C Barrot will produce with a British film crew.

Since retiring from football, Cantona has had a successful acting career, with Elizabeth and Looking for Eric among his most high-profile projects.

He will soon star in western The Salvation alongside Mads Mikkelsen and Eva Green, which releases at cinemas on April 17.