Valuev weighs around 24 stone

A spokesman for promoter Frank Warren told BBC Sport he was in talks with Valuev's camp about a possible match.

But Chris Meyer, head of Sauerland Events, said: "Neither Williams nor Skelton are on our shortlist.

"How could they be? Neither is rated by the WBA. We have not even had any communication regarding such a match."

Williams defends his Commonwealth crown against Skelton at London's ExCel Arena on 25 February.

Meyer did not say who Valuev's next opponent will be, but reports suggest it is likely to be 29-year-old American Owen Beck in Germany on 1 April.

On Monday, the 24st Russian said he expected to fight either Williams or Skelton next.

"I'll be watching the fight with interest," said Valuev, who outpointed John Ruiz for the title last December. "The winner will be my next opponent."

The "Beast from the East", unbeaten in 43 fights, also said he would like to tempt Britain's former world champion Lennox Lewis out of retirement.

"It would be great to fight him," said the 32-year-old. "I have a very high opinion of him."