Sly denies Cage is signed up for Expendables 3

Sylvester Stallone has denied reports that Nicolas Cage has confirmed his appearance in 'The Expendables 3'.

The actor, writer and director has said that he has 'no knowledge of Nic Cage joining Expendables 3', according to US film site Deadline.

Rumours surrounding the 'National Treasure' and 'Kick-Ass' star now look to be false, after it appeared that Stallone had confirmed the news on a Facebook page.

Though it means that Cage is not currently signed on to the film, Stallone has had Cage in his sights for a role for some time, alongside Harrison Ford and a repeat performance from Mickey Rourke, who appeared in the first 'Expendables' movie.

Stallone, speaking during the junkets for 'Expendables 2', said that he wanted Cage, Ford, Rourke and Wesley Snipes in future films.

He has also said previously that he would like Clint Eastwood to take a role, though on hearing the news, Eastwood quipped that he'd rather direct the film than be in it himself.

So far, the stars of a third film in the hugely successful series remain unknown, but Stallone, Jason Statham and Jet-Li would be among the likely candidates to return.