George Clooney's human rights barrister wife is reportedly the top choice for the US TV role, although NBC producers are also considering Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandberg and actress Jessica Alba.

A source told the Daily Express newspaper: "As well as the cachet of being married to George, she is also a highly respected figure in her field and, since she rarely says anything in public, there is still something of an air of mystery to her.

"Basically we want Amal, although there are a couple of other prominent women in contention.

"We think she could be a perfect fit, if her schedule can be made to dovetail with shooting requirements."

Amal's pals are said to be urging her to sign up for the show, with supporters including Rande Gerber -- the husband of supermodel Cindy Crawford -- with whom Amal and George are close.

The law expert, 37, is a regular visiting professor at Columbia Law School in New York, where the show would be filmed.

NBC bosses fired presidential candidate Donald Trump earlier this year following his controversial comments about Mexican immigrants.