In his new film Southpaw, Jake Gyllenhaal plays a star fighter Billy Hope. Jake underwent months of incredibly intense training to transform himself for the role.

However, there’s another transformation he underwent which didn’t appear to require as much effort on Jake’s part.

The 34-year old plays a character who is fighting to redeem himself not just in the sporting world, but in the eyes of his young daughter.

Oona Laurence, who plays his daughter in the film, has been credited by Jake as one of the reasons he is very excited to become a dad.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Jake said: “when I meet Oona for the first time, I just fell for her.” He added that "your heart opens up to her." Sounds like someone’s biological clock might be ticking.

Jake admitted that he “deeply” loves children, including his nieces and he thinks becoming a dad is something he would be “lucky” to experience.

"I am not a father yet, but it is definitely a dream of mine.”

While he can add fictional dad to his CV, Jake said he “would love for it to not be fictional.”

He added that he does find some of the ladies he works opposite to be “hugely intoxicating”. Despite that, he has denied rumours that he and his Southpaw co-star Rachel McAdams are an item.

Meaning, he is currently single, and apparently looking for someone he can start a family with.

We imagine he won’t be short of any number of offers once people get a look at his new physique in Southpaw which will be in cinemas on July 24.