Khan had initially indicated that he wanted to fight in Beijing in 2008

But the 18-year-old Briton played down reports he could make an instant switch after withdrawing from the Amateur Boxing Association Championships.

"In 2008, I want to be a world champion as a professional," he told the BBC.

"I could give it a year, two years or three years (before going pro), but I think it will be before Beijing."

Khan pulled out of his ABA Championships quarter-final this weekend over a ticket row, fuelling rumours that he was about to turn pro.

His camp was upset that the governing body initially offered them just 10 tickets for his bout in Great Yarmouth on Saturday.

We'll sit with the ABA next week and see what's on offer - the ball is in their court Khan's manager Asif Veli

The ABA upped that number to 300 by rescheduling his bout for earlier in the day, but that offer was rejected.

"How come 300 have cropped up after he said he'd pulled out?" said Khan's manager, Asif Veli.

"We agreed after Athens that ticket allocations would be sufficient but the ABA have gone back on their word.

"We've told the press that we're pulling out and then they expect Amir to go back and fight on that day. I don't think that's fair."

Veli admitted that discussions had taken place with several promoters interested in staging Khan's professional fights.

"I've had them all on the phone, not just from this country," he said. "But we'll sit with the ABA next week and see what's on offer - the ball is in their court."

Frank Warren is one of several promoters to offer Khan pro terms, but he denied a deal had already been done.

"Nothing's been signed," he told Radio Five Live, although he admitted he would love to look after Khan's professional interests.

Boxers who turn pro later in their careers hardly ever make it Promoter Frank Warren

"Hopefully they'll look at my track record and choose mine," he said.

"It's not just about money, it's what you do in your career. He's got superb talent, I'm sure he can win a world title."

Warren has no doubts that a move into the professional ranks would enhance Khan's reputation.

"He'd be fighting some of the best and learning his trade. Boxers who turn pro later in their careers hardly ever make it," he said.

"He's at the right age, he's captured the public's imagination and has a lot going for him."

The promoter insisted that there was no time limit on the offer, saying: "No-one's forcing him, it's his decision."

Some reports have suggested that Khan would turn professional after a re-match with Mario Kindelan, who beat him the Olympic final in Athens.