Penélope Cruz and Salma Hayek are in talks to play a pair of feisty bank robbers in a new comedy.

The Hollywood stars have both been offered roles in Western by French producer Luc Besson.

Set in Mexico, the movie will reportedly begin shooting next year as soon as a director has been found.

A spokeswoman for Cruz's management company Kuranda International, told Variety.com: "Penelope and Salma have been close friends for several years.

"They've always wanted to work together, and they are delighted that Luc has come up with a production that could well give them that opportunity."

Source: Press Release