An "unoffical nod" it sounds as shady as a coded message delivered by Q to 007 in the corridors of MI6.
But according to reports, that is exactly what Damian Lewis has been given by the producers of the James Bond films.
It is understood that Daniel Craig will step down from the role following the release of Spectre, his fourth film as Bond, in November.
With this in mind, the producers are already lining up the 47-year-old's successor. A "well-placed" source told The Sunday Mirror: "If Daniel Craig leaves, it's Damian Lewis who will be crowned the new Bond.
"He is seen as an all-round international star who is perfect for the role. As he ages, he looks increasingly suave and sophisticated."
The source stressed, however, that Lewis will only be offered the role if Craig decides to step down.
"At the moment all focus is on the release of Spectre in November. Producers are convinced it's a particularly strong 007 movie.
"Daniel excels in the role and there is no pressure on him to step down. But if he does, people close to Damian have had an unofficial nod he is the number one choice."
Other actors rumoured to be in the running for the role include Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender and Idris Elba. Pierce Brosnan, who starred in four Bond films, recently said: "Anything is possible for sure, but I think he'll [the next Bond] be male and he'll be white.
"There's wonderful black actors out there who could be James Bond, and there's no reason why you cannot have a black James Bond. But a female James Bond, no, I think it has to be a male. James Bond is a guy, he's all male. His name is James, his name is James Bond."
