Ricky Gervais for The Muppets sequel

Los Angeles - Ricky Gervais is in line for a role in The Muppets sequel.

The British funnyman could be joining Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy in the follow-up to the 2011 family-favourite comedy after negotiating a part in James Bobin's upcoming film.

He is expected to play the "human lead character" in what The Hollywood Reporter describes as a "European-centric adventure", taking over from Jason Segel's starring role in last year's big screen reboot.

No intention of returning

Ricky joins Modern Family actor Ty Burrell, who has already been cast as a lazy Interpol agent following the gang of loveable puppets across Europe. Other main human roles include a Russian femme fatale.

The script is being worked on by returning director James Bobin and screenwriter Nicholas Stoller.

The project would mark The Office comedian Ricky's first live-action movie role since The Invention of Lying and Cemetery Junction.

Original star Jason - who co-wrote and starred in the first film - confirmed earlier this year he had no intention of returning to the franchise.

He said: "My goal was to bring The Muppets back and I did that leaving them in very good hands, my writing partner and James Bobin the director. I did what I set out to do, and now I wanna pursue more human-related projects."

Filming for The Muppets sequel kicks off in London in January 2013.