After Ali G, Borat and Bruno, Sacha Baron Cohen looks set to add another hilariously offensive alter-ego to his roll call of comedy personas.

The comedian and actor is turning his attention back to English stereotypes and creating one of his most controversial characters to date: a northern football hooligan.

Following the format of his other “mockumentaries”, Mr Baron Cohen will attempt to pass himself off as a football thug in real-life situations.

As well as hurling abuse at players and referees from the stands, he will be interacting with members of the public and celebrities, all in the pretence that he is making a documentary.

A source told the Daily Mirror: “Sacha loves playing extreme characters and has done some extensive research on how these cretins behave.”

“He will be pushing his own alter-ego as far as he can, making him incredibly stupid, narrow-minded and offensive.”

The source added: “Roy Hodgson is the ultimate target.”

Filming will begin early next year, following reports that Mr Baron Cohen has pulled out of the upcoming Freddie Mercury biopic.

The actor is said to have left the project over creative differences with surviving Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor.