WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan looks set to defend his title against the European champion Paul McCloskey.
Negotiations between the two camps have been taking place for over a fortnight and BBC Sport understands McCloskey has agreed in principle to fight Khan.
Official confirmation of the bout is expected by the weekend.
If it is given the go-ahead, it is likely to take place at the MEN Arena in Manchester on 16 April.
Last week, Khan’s father Shah said that an offer had been made to McCloskey from Dungiven.
“It is up to them to decide whether to accept it,” Khan told the BBC.
“We have offered him almost three times what he got paid for his last fight and the ball is in their court – it can happen if they agree to the terms.”
At that stage hopes of a contest between the two fighters appeared to be receding but there is now renewed belief that the bout could be back on.
Khan has stated 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.
The 31-year-old McCloskey is unbeaten in 22 fights. He won the European crown by defeating Spain’s Daniel Rasilla in 2009 and has defended his belt twice.
