Michael Bay will apparently return to direct a fourth Transformers film, after he held discussions with series producer, Steven Spielberg, reports Vulture.
Bay had previously said that he'd much prefer to concentrate on other projects and is currently prepping the much lower budgeted action comedy, Pain and Gain, which may star Dwayne Johnson. Apparently funding studio Paramount are using the budget on 'Pain' to negotiate over a possible fourth film in the uber popular Transformers franchise. Shia Labeouf was only ever committed to three films, and seemed genuinely happy when the franchise was over - who could blame him, they looked like tough shoots. So a new star will be sought, with a possibility that Josh Duhamel could expand on his role from the series.
Jason Statham has denied reports that he'll be involved; he may just have a good publicist, because he's constantly linked with franchises (more recently the 'Fast' series) without any real merit. Shooting is expected to kick off late next year.