Khan's last title defence was against Marcos Maidana in December

Amir Khan says he hopes his next fight can be arranged in the "next few days" and that Northern Ireland's Paul McCloskey could be his opponent.

WBA light-welterweight champion Khan told BBC 5 live his management was "looking at all the options".

Speaking of McCloskey, the European champion at 140lb, Khan said: "He approached us. He's an undefeated fighter. I'm happy to take the fight."

The Bolton-born boxer restated his aim of unifying the division this year.

He wants to fight the winner of the forthcoming bout between the US fighters Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander on 29 January.

Bradley is the WBO light-welterweight champion and Alexander holds the WBC belt.

606: DEBATE Seems like the perfect fight to have in the UK and for a warm up to face the winner of Bradley/Alexander D4thincarnation

In the meantime, Khan, 24, says a match with Dungiven's McCloskey at the MEN Arena in Manchester on 16 April is likely.

"The next level for him is world title and I'd like to take the fight on. He's a good fighter," Khan said.

A fight with Khan's original choice of opponent, American Lamont Peterson, fell through.

Khan said Peterson had demanded "a huge figure - just too much money" to appear.

The 31-year-old McCloskey, who is unbeaten in 22 fights, confirmed negotiations have started between the two camps.

"They want the fight so it will be easy enough for me to take it," he said. "My style against Amir's could lead to an exciting fight.

"I am a European champion and I am ready to jump onto the next level."

McCloskey won the European crown by defeating Spain's Daniel Rasilla in 2009 and has defended his title twice.

The pair have been communicating on Twitter with Khan stating that he "wants to get it on with McCloskey".

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