Tom Cruise’s publicist has denied the star is looking for property in Malta despite claims by film industry sources that he has already chosen a €12 million house in the San Ġwann area.

Sources had said that Mr Cruise had enrolled the services of Alessandro Proto Consulting to help him find suitable property here in view of two upcoming films he was planning to shoot on the island. Mr Proto had confirmed Mr Cruise’s intention to buy property in Malta.

However, months after The Times first reported sources saying that Mr Cruise was interested in buying a house in Malta, Amanda Lundberg, from 42 West, which represents Mr Cruise, said it is “not true” that he is looking for property on the island.

Contacted about the denial by Mr Cruise’s publicist, Mr Proto insisted the star had enrolled his services to buy a villa in Malta and that one had been chosen.

“We have sent to Mr Cruise through our contacts photos of the villas in Malta. He has chosen one and will be coming to Malta to see it very soon.”

Mr Proto, whose credentials have been questioned by some Italian news agencies in the past, denied being some sort of fraudster and attributed such allegations to Italian “envy” of successful people.

He said his company had made “dozens” of property sales in Italy to Hollywood stars and the transactions were confirmed by various Italian newspapers.

Film Commissioner Peter Busuttil had said Mr Proto would be visiting the island but could not confirm the shooting of a film starring Mr Cruise.